Coffee vs. Caffeine: Energy & Focus

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee can vary depending on the beans, revealing fruity, nutty, or smoky notes. This diversity stems from the distinct phytochemicals present in each type of coffee bean.

Scientists investigated whether these unique phytochemicals contribute to coffee's cognitive benefits or if caffeine alone is responsible. Their findings will have you appreciating your morning cup even more.

This study, published in the "Frontiers Journal of Behavioral Neuroscience", involved researchers from Portugal who conducted MRI scans on participants before and after consuming a cup of coffee and a separate caffeine beverage.

A total of 83 men and women, averaging 30 years old, participated in the study. All were regular coffee drinkers.

Analyzing the scans, researchers observed that both coffee and caffeine drinkers exhibited brain changes associated with reduced fatigue and improved task switching abilities.

However, only those who drank coffee showed heightened activity in the higher visual and right executive control networks of the brain, which are crucial for working memory, cognitive control, and goal-oriented behaviors.

"The subjects were more ready for action and alert to external stimuli after having coffee," the study authors stated.

The authors also found that coffee drinkers enjoyed their coffee more, and they believe that the sensory experience of coffee might trigger neurochemical effects similar to those we experience when listening to enjoyable music.

This explains why habitual coffee drinkers crave it and shows that caffeine alone doesn't provide the same cognitive benefits as a cup of coffee.

Coffee has been consumed for over 600 years for a reason. It is richer in antioxidant-rich polyphenols than any other beverage, and as this research shows, these plant compounds benefit cognition in various ways.

The compounds in coffee beans offer more than just alertness and focus. The phytochemicals in green coffee beans can improve cardiovascular risk factors such as cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. They also support metabolic health. Chlorogenic acid, a compound found in coffee beans, is being studied for its positive effects on body weight and glucose tolerance in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Regular coffee drinkers, not just those consuming caffeine, have been shown to have a lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, certain neurodegenerative diseases, and cancers. Long-term coffee consumption is also associated with a more diverse gut microbiome. Many of these benefits persist when drinking decaf.

However, excessive consumption can be detrimental. Studies show that drinking more than four cups of coffee a day (around 400 mg of caffeine) won't provide additional benefits and could be harmful. Individuals sensitive to caffeine or experiencing anxiety may consider obtaining healthy plant polyphenols from their diet instead.

Research found that drinking coffee is more beneficial for working memory, cognitive control, and goal-directed behavior than consuming caffeine alone. When enjoying a cup of coffee, appreciate it for its overall cognitive health and well-being, not just as a quick energy boost. If you're looking for a supplement for focus and attention, choose one that contains all the compounds found in the coffee plant.