Your Brain on Coffee
Every coffee drinker is familiar with the feeling after drinking a fresh cup of java. I know after I’ve had a latte or espresso, I feel more focused.
If I’m having a conversation with someone, words seem to flow without pauses, ums, or ahs. If I’m writing, my fingers never stop typing.
This happens because caffeine blocks adenosine receptors, preventing adenosine from binding to it’s receptors and tricking your brain into thinking you have lots of energy.
This effect happens within just five minutes of drinking your coffee. When adenosine receptors are blocked, chemicals that increase the performance of your neural activity—like glucose, dopamine, and glutamate—are allowed to work overtime.
So while you may feel that coffee is giving you more energy, it’s simply telling your body that your energy reserves are good to go even when they’re long gone.
