Can Coffee Decrease Stress?
If you're one of the 56 percent of adults that drink coffee daily, you're probably hoping for an energy boost instead of relaxation. But scientists are discovering that coffee may have the potential to reduce emotional and physical stress. In the same way that coffee affects brain chemistry to keep you alert, its effects on neurotransmitters may help your body fight off symptoms of stress and stress-related diseases.
Animal Studies
A Japanese study investigated coffee on its own and also its individual components, caffeine and chlorogenic acid -- a type of plant-based antioxidant -- for their stress-relaxing benefits on the hippocampus region in rat brains. The researchers looked at the interaction of coffee with the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters linked to emotions. The results, published in a 2002 issue of "Neuroscience Letters," found that coffee reduced stress chemical response in the rats when they were put through stressful conditions.
Stress and Blood Pressure
Researchers in Switzerland found that coffee affected stress-induced high blood pressure differently in subjects who were habitual drinkers versus those who rarely drank coffee. The study, published in 2005 in "Hypertension," showed that coffee caused a rise in blood pressure under stressful situations in the non-drinkers, but in those who drank coffee regularly, their blood pressure wasn't affected by stress, indicating a potential cumulative calming effect. However, an earlier study in 1992, published in "Psychosomatic Medicine," found that 6 cups of caffeinated coffee a day increased the heart rate response to mental stress in 43 healthy subjects.
Animal Studies
A Japanese study investigated coffee on its own and also its individual components, caffeine and chlorogenic acid -- a type of plant-based antioxidant -- for their stress-relaxing benefits on the hippocampus region in rat brains. The researchers looked at the interaction of coffee with the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters linked to emotions. The results, published in a 2002 issue of "Neuroscience Letters," found that coffee reduced stress chemical response in the rats when they were put through stressful conditions.
Stress and Blood Pressure
Researchers in Switzerland found that coffee affected stress-induced high blood pressure differently in subjects who were habitual drinkers versus those who rarely drank coffee. The study, published in 2005 in "Hypertension," showed that coffee caused a rise in blood pressure under stressful situations in the non-drinkers, but in those who drank coffee regularly, their blood pressure wasn't affected by stress, indicating a potential cumulative calming effect. However, an earlier study in 1992, published in "Psychosomatic Medicine," found that 6 cups of caffeinated coffee a day increased the heart rate response to mental stress in 43 healthy subjects.
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