Coffee is great. It gives you that buzz that you need to start the day, makes working a lot more tolerable, and is one of the world's favourite drinks. So, why do we love it so much?
Aside from the gorgeous taste of a caramel latte, the caffeine in coffee changes the way our body works. Many neurons which release neurotransmitters such as dopamine and adrenaline also release a self-inhibitor called adenosine, just so we don't get too much pleasure (dopamine), and our hearts don't start racing. (Thanks, adenosine!)
Yet, when we gulp down our caffeinated delights, we're inhibiting the effects of adenosine, meaning neurotransmitters such as adrenaline and dopamine are more effective. So, we get rushes of pleasure and your blood starts pumping quicker. Just like a mini-rollercoaster!
Not only this, but your energy levels increase because caffeine acts on cAMP, which is what controls glucose metabolism in your cells, inhibiting the enzyme that normally breaks it down. That's what gives you your extra energy.
Yay for coffee!
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