Why does Coffee Make Us feel So Good?
I don’t know about you, but my first memory of coffee wasn’t a pleasant one. Actually, until recently, I only really had coffee if it came free with a meal or was the only beverage option. But now, I can honestly say I appreciate the depth coffee provides. It’s a very rich taste, comforting, dare I say. It’s like a hug for your body, but from the inside. But, why? What happened inside my head to take me from a coffee-in-dire-straits drinker, to someone who values a real cup of coffee? (Let’s just note here that I am referring to proper coffee; freshly brewed- i.e. – the good stuff).
The Research Behind Feel-Good Coffee:
In my statement above, I mentioned that I refer to coffee hereon in, with strict reference to actual coffee. Some brands market their product as coffee, when it actual fact it is another thing entirely. Chicory is often used as a mixer or substitute to help lessen the price of coffee per KG. Chicory, however, is not coffee and does not contain caffeine. This might just be your perfect solution if you are looking to decrease your caffeine intake, but simply cannot step away from the cuppa.
Similarly, real honest coffee is produced in two ways: Spray-drying and freeze-drying. The resultant outcome is mostly noticeably different in the texture and quality of the ground coffee, i.e. – the difference between Nescafé Classic and Nescafé Gold. (For some fun: feel the difference in texture between those two variants next time you get a chance, and you will see what I mean).
In summary of the above – real honest caffeine-containing coffee releases your natural “feel-good” hormone and neurotransmitter – dopamine. That’s the catch; it’s what essentially gets you “addicted”. There is nothing wrong with that, but do always take into consideration your very own personal circumstances and be wary of the associated health risks. If you are prone to high blood pressure or heart disease (this includes palpitations) – try the chicory variant or a decaffeinated option of your favourite brand. Also just remember that in any instance of “addiction”, the more you ingest, the more you “need” to get similar results.
In a study observed by Gary L. Wenk * on one of his students, said student decided to test the effects of caffeine on his chronic sleepiness. He ate (yes, ate) an entire packet of instant coffee, right out of the box! The student apparently enjoyed it so much he ate the rest of the bulk package he bought it in; 32 packets. Although I wouldn’t recommend this for anyone at all, the student reported his bout of diarrhoea disappeared and after three days, he was able to fall off to sleep being truly and completely exhausted. On the other hand, in a similar observation by Gary L. Wenk, another of his students admitted to drinking approximately two pots of coffee (around 20 cups) before attending lectures. The student decided to cease this as soon as he realised he was having uncontrollable tremors in his hands.
In Conclusion: I still want to feel good!
Looking and thinking back over the past decade or so, with the information boom happening and the introduction of internet, almost every “ordinary” product has been scrutinised and bad-mouthed for its terrible side effects. You name it, milk, eggs, wheat, and coffee. We are all entitled to our little pleasures, what is life without a little bit of enjoyment and indulgence? All I can suggest is: moderation and consideration of the product you choose to consume. There are so many options out there. We know why coffee makes us feel good; it’s an addictive substance that alters the chemical make-up of your brain for a short while. It’s legal and we love it.
* Gary L. Wenk, a Professor of Psychology & Neuroscience & Molecular Virology, Immunology and Medical Genetics at the Ohio State University and Medical Centre
