CAFFEINE AS COGNITIVE ENHANCER 1

CAFFEINE AS COGNITIVE ENHANCER

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Caffeine as Cognitive Enhancer

Caffeine is widely used by companies on their products, more commonly on a variety of

drinks. It is known to enable the mind in order to think faster and clearer than the usual brain

performance. Thus, being used on medications, drink, and even food supplements. Caffeine acts

as a cognitive enhancer that stimulates the thinking capability of the brain.

Caffeine, primarily used in drinks, is proven to give various benefits to the human body.

Firstly, caffeine helps people concentrate, improves mental alertness, and other psychomotor

performance by blocking neurotransmitters adenosine receptors that are known to control diverse

brain activities (Cappelletti et al., 2015, p.54). Second, aside from the cognitive enhancement of

caffeine, it is also used to improve the physical performance of the human body. Lastly, health

benefits of caffeine have been documented in different epidemiological studies. They include the

ability of caffeine to control certain types of diseases particularly those diseases affecting the

nervous systems such as neurodegenerative diseases. For instance the relationship between

caffeine consumption and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson disease (Cappelletti et al.,

2015, p.76). These recorded health benefits of caffeine usage have made it an in demand addition

to drinks and supplements. Therefore, consuming caffeine which is moderated can have positive

outcomes.

Everything must be taken into moderation and caffeine is not an exemption. If a person

eats more than the suggested intake of sweets, there might be a chance to develop diabetes.

Everything, if taken more than the recommended amount of intake, might get a risk of getting
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sick. In the case of caffeine, there have been reported to lead to a number of side effects and

disorders. Caffeine consumption can facilitate or hinder cognitive performance depending on the

situation and amount of intake. The recommended daily consumption for an adult is up to 400

milligrams of caffeine which is equivalent to 3-4 cups of coffee. If taken more than the

recommended amount, it could lead to a number of side effects and disorders. According to

Cappelletti, Et al., (2015) “both adults and adolescents who consume high doses of caffeine

frequently report psychiatric symptoms and disorder, mainly anxiety and mood disorders, but

also behavioral alterations” (p.80). In this light, caffeine can only be hazardous to the health of a

human being if and only if it is taken excessively.

Due to the well-researched benefits of caffeine, coffee has become a staple drink in the

everyday life of most people. It has even become the most popular drink after water. The health

benefit of caffeine that is causing the human brain to be awake, think clearly, and focus has been

the main reason why coffee shops have been a stable business. In every city world-wide there

will always be a coffee shop. It has been part of the daily routine of most people to drink coffee

with their breakfast in order to be recharged for the day. Aside from breakfast, coffee is taken at

any time of the day whenever a person feels sleepy and tired. This is to recharge and condition

the brain into becoming productive. Thus, coffee became a necessity to most of the people

workins, studying, and into sports.

The side effects that are harmful to the human body will only develop and manifest if

caffeine is being taken more than the recommended dosage. That is why there is a need to

control the consumption of caffeine. Excessive usage aside, as confirmed by various studies, it is

indeed true that caffeine has cognitive enhancing properties.

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References

Cappelletti, S. Piacentino, D. Sani, G. & Aromatario, M. (2015). Caffeine: Cognitive and

Physical Performance Enhancer or Psychoactive Drug? Current

Neuropharmacology, 2015, 13, 71-88.

McLellan, T. Caldwell, J. & Lieberman, H. (2016). A Review of Caffeine’s Effects on

Cognitive, Physical and Occupational Performance. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral

Reviews Volume 71. 2016, 294-312.