Caffeine is a naturally occurring psychotropic molecule from the alkaloid family. Present in high doses in coffee, it is also found in tea, chocolate, mate, sodas, and even some medications. Metabolized by the body in just a few minutes, it acts as a stimulant for cognitive performance and memory. In this article, we'll tell you everything about caffeine and its most deeply held myths.
The benefits.
- Stimulant and concentration: Caffeine has a stimulating effect thanks to its action on the neurotransmitters of the nervous system. It increases the speed at which our brain processes information and causes a surge of energy.
- Memory and cognitive performance: Caffeine affects memory by increasing our memorization abilities. Several studies show that coffee is a key ally in preventing the onset of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, in particular. Regular consumption may slow the progression of cognitive decline.
How does it work exactly? Its stimulating effect is mainly due to its action on a molecule called adenosine. This molecule normally regulates us and slows down our brain to induce a state of sleep, to do this it attaches to receptors in our brain. Caffeine, on the other hand, will attach to these same receptors, thus blocking the effects of adenosine. It will therefore stimulate brain activity. This will have the effect of increasing the release of adrenaline by the brain. Now adrenaline, the “survival” hormone, will considerably increase our level of attention and concentration and create a peak of energy throughout our body.
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Fact or fiction?
Of all coffees, espresso has the highest caffeine content. Fake news! While the dose of caffeine obviously depends on the plant species used, the amount of coffee, and the volume of the drink, it is mainly dependent on the method of preparation of the drink and more specifically the extraction time! The more the coffee is in contact with water, the higher the amount of caffeine will be. A long filter coffee will therefore be more caffeinated than an espresso. To give you an idea, an espresso contains approximately 30 mg of caffeine after a 30-second extraction versus 160 mg for a long coffee extracted between 2 and 4 minutes. |
Botanical.
Found in tea and mate, caffeine is generally synonymous with coffee and the coffee shrub. The latter produces white flowers and small red to purple fruits. Each fruit contains two coffee beans, which are then washed and roasted to produce coffee. In its pure form, caffeine is a white powder with a bitter taste.
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Did you know?
The coffee plant initially produces caffeine to protect itself from predatory insects. It uses it as a natural pesticide. The same goes for the tea plant, which produces theine, which is chemically identical to caffeine. |
The side effects.
The effects of caffeine can vary greatly depending on: gender, metabolic capacity, habit, time of day, etc. It is therefore quite difficult to establish a “standard” dosage. Due to its action, it can cause insomnia, agitation, nervousness, gastric irritation. It is often not recommended for people suffering from heart disease.
A well-known side effect of caffeine is its addictive nature if consumed in very large amounts on a regular basis. If you are a heavy caffeine user and want to stop consuming it, it is important to do so gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
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Fact or Fiction?
Caffeine may lower blood alcohol levels. Deception, of course. Strong coffee does not lower blood alcohol levels and cannot alter the results of a breathalyzer test; only the liver and time rid the body of alcohol. |
