Harvard Study: How Your Coffee Choice Impacts Decision-Making
Ever wondered if the type of coffee you drink could affect your decision-making? Who benefits from espresso, and who should opt for decaf?
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Have you ever thought about this: could there be a link between our decision-making process and the type of coffee we drink, including the timing of consuming it? A new Harvard study suggests this exact connection. The researchers not only examined various types of coffee and their effects on us but also the potential side effects and the best timing for most people to enjoy their brew.
So, what are the findings? Quite surprising, to say the least:
Different Coffees, Different Effects:
This study indicates that coffee consumption can enhance quick decision-making skills but might also lead to increased impulsivity. These effects are influenced by the amount and type of coffee consumed. For example:
- Espresso: Contains a high concentration of caffeine. It can aid rapid decision-making thanks to its fast action on the brain, but it may cause higher impulsivity due to its caffeine content.
- Filter Coffee: Has a moderate caffeine level. Suitable for those who need a quick decision-making boost with a lower risk of excessive impulsivity.
- Decaf Coffee: Offers some coffee benefits without the stimulating effects of caffeine. Ideal for those sensitive to caffeine.
According to the researchers, the impact on decision-making varies by individual as not everyone reacts to caffeine the same way. "Some people experience side effects such as increased heart rate, anxiety, and excitement after drinking coffee, and we wouldn’t recommend making an important decision immediately afterward. Individual caffeine tolerance levels differ, so it's important to understand these personal reactions and monitor how coffee affects the body over time," they note.
An important additional study titled "Acute and chronic effects of caffeine on performance, mood, headache, and sleep" supports this information, declaring that different types of coffee affect each individual differently. Therefore, it is important to consume coffee in moderation since excessive intake might lead to side effects like impulsivity and anxiety.
