How coffee affects mood

The fact that coffee can cheer us up is indisputable. They even say that this drink helps fight autumn-winter blues or depression. Is it really so?

A little about biochemistry

When we drink a cup aromatic coffee in the morning, various trace elements enter our body. Among them, it is worth noting caffeine, since it has the greatest effect on our state. Researchers managed to find out that in a certain amount this component stimulates the cerebral cortex, accelerating reactions. Later it turned out that caffeine affects sleep, and also suppresses the feeling of fatigue.

Therefore, the habit of drinking coffee often (daily) arises, because a person receives a portion of "cheap energy". The body adjusts, and the trace elements that make up the product require more and more drink consumption. The processes of excitation will be replaced by processes of inhibition, as a result, the body will get tired even more than without caffeine. But such an outcome is possible with unreasonable coffee consumption. Drink ego in moderation, it will have a positive effect on your mood.

How caffeine is related to mood

Mood is different from emotions and feelings. It is not connected with momentary sensations and is a fairly "even" mental state. This is rather an attitude to life in general. Today, a cup of espresso is often recommended to lift the mood. Caffeine is able to relieve spasm of blood vessels and restore the action of dopamine, the hormone responsible for joy and satisfaction.

In other words, the drink improves not only mood, but also productivity, attentiveness. However, be careful: an overdose of coffee (more than 4 servings per day) has the exact opposite effect. You can become anxious, feel overtired. There is also a positive side: caffeine helps fight depression. Thus, caffeine contained in green tea and coffee is used to prevent depressive states.

Interesting facts

1. Coffee beans are actually the roasted seeds of a fruit called a coffee cherry. Inside the berry you can see flattened "double" stones. Peppers are oval-shaped grains that resemble peas. The Spanish call the berry "caracolillo", which means "little snail".
2. Coffee beans are not only used for brewing, they are also eaten. Such a tradition is typical for residents of Eastern or African countries. Some companies collect the remains of coffee fruits and produce flour from them, which is used in the manufacture of food products.
3. The most expensive coffee is made from civet or elephant feces. Berries fermented in the intestine are collected and sold. Oddly enough, they are in quite high demand, despite the cost (up to 700 dollars for a 0.5 kg package).

And once, in the 15th century, this drink was even mistaken for wine. Enjoy your favorite morning treat, and be careful about the number of cups you drink!