The Many Benefits of Caffeine

Did you know caffeine can boost brain function, memory and alertness AND your mood?
Here are a few reasons that you can feel even better about sipping your morning (or afternoon) cup of java!

Caffeine increases alertness by blocking the amount of adenosine that reaches the brain.  Adenosine is a neurotransmitter that makes us tired.  The molecular structure of caffeine and adenosine are similar therefore caffeine binds with the same receptors, blocking the path to the brain.  Blocking the amount of andesine keeps you awake and alert.

Feeling the effect of age on your memory? Is your memory not quite where you need it to be?
Research shows that a dose of caffeine may help boost long-term memory.  The Nature Neuroscience Journal completed a study with 160 participants between the age of 18-30.  Students were shown a series of pictures, then given 200 mg of either caffeine or a placebo.  The next day they showed the same students another group of images and asked if they were new or the same as yesterday.  They found that the students who consumed the 200 mg of caffeine scored much higher than those that had consumed the placebo.

Have a case of that 2pm Crankiness?
Your mood can also be enhanced by caffeine blocking reabsorption of dopamine’s back into our bodies.  Dopamine is also a neurotransmitter, one which makes us feel good.  Elevated levels of dopamine improve our mood.  By blocking the amount of dopamine that filters from the brain back into our bodies we can prolong the enhanced moods.

In conclusion, caffeine can have multiple positive impacts on our productivity within the office.  Health Canada has found that the 400 mg of caffeine per day is within the safe level of consumption.  Staying within the suggested limits will not only make you feel better but also have a positive impact on your work productivity.

Now that’s something I can cheers to!