How Does Caffeine Work in Coffee?

All of us coffee fans have to admit that as much as we love the aroma, the taste, the complexity of coffee: on occasion, we just need to grab some caffeine. We need that pick-me-up, that boost to get us through the day. But what exactly is caffeine and how does it work?

Caffeine, that’s trimethylxanthine to the nerds, is a psychoactive drug. It chemically alters brain function and the central nervous system. Obviously, it is a minor drug when compared to the substances that come to mind when we say “psychoactive drug,” but the effects are real.

The primary way caffeine affects you is through the blockage of adenosine, the chemical that makes you feel sleepy. Adenosine is made in the brain and passed on to your nerve cells where they find a home in adenosine receptors and slow the cell’s activity. Caffeine happens to fit perfectly in your adenosine receptors, blocking the adenosine, preventing the slowing of the cells.

It will also increase neuron firing which will lead to a release of adrenaline, which we all know wakes you up. And, as if waking up isn’t enough, it also slows down the reabsorption of dopamine, keeping the pleasure centers of the brain activated longer, basically making your day better.

Caffeine, when isolated, is a bitter white powder. It probably developed in plants as a defense mechanism against pests. Now we find it in coffee, tea, cacao, kola nuts, and yerba mate. Three of which you can come get at Clarity right now!

You may find things like colas, energy drinks, and even gum that are caffeinated, but these are often artificially caffeinated using either manufactured caffeine or the leftovers from coffee’s decaffeination process. Cola flavored sodas were originally made with kola nuts, but as the demand began to outgrow supply, companies like Coca-Cola began using artificial flavors and adding the caffeine themselves.

But is it healthy? Different experts say different things. For decades, some doctors have suggested that caffeine has negative impacts on the nervous system and sleep quality, but recent studies have indicated that coffee or tea consumed in moderation has potential health benefits including a reduced risk of many diseases including Parkinson’s, colon cancer, cirrhosis, and Alzheimer’s. There’s even a study that shows that coffee can help prevent cavities. Of course, we encourage you to do your own research and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

As always, we hope you’ll drink our coffee because it tastes awesome and not because of health benefits or stimulation. Those are some pretty nice bonuses though, right?