The Caffeine Connection

We all know that caffeine is a stimulant, but there are a number of ways that caffeine stimulates.  One of the pathways is that caffeine is similar in structure to adenosine.  When adenosine is taken up by receptors in the brain, this causes drowsiness, but in the presence of caffeine, the caffeine takes up those adenosine sites.  Caffeine does not cause the slow down of the sites, similar to putting a key that fits in a lock but doesn't actually unlock the door.  So adenosine is still free to roam in the bloodstream and therefore, not inducing drowsiness. 

Another way that caffeine works is to manipulate dopamine levels, increasing the levels of dopamine and activating pleasure centres in the brain. (Hence, why we like our coffee oh so much!) And a third way caffeine works is to increase adrenaline levels in the body.  Of course we all know what happens when we have a surge of adrenaline.  Our heart beats a little faster, giving you a boost.

This is all good news as long as we maintain a healthy habit of it.  A standard 8 oz cup of coffee has about 100 mg of caffeine and it is generally accepted that 2-3 eight ounce servings a day is a healthy dose.  More than that and you start to come up to levels associated with headaches, interference with sleep, and feeling jittery and anxious. 

Research has shown that moderate levels of caffeine consumption is associated with lower risk of developing diabetes, lower risk of colon cancer, and a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. 

So enjoy your coffee....but in moderation!