On World Mental Health Day, 9 reasons to be proud of your coffee addiction

Whether it comes in its raw, pitch-black avatar or is combined with milk, a sight of a cup of coffee is nothing short of a blessing for caffeine addicts.

Whether you are an employee battling afternoon drowsiness, or a student trying to catch up on homework by pulling an all-nighter, coffee is the trusted BFF that you can count on to help you stay awake and take on all the forces in the world. .

Apart from serving scoops of energy, the beverage is also reportedly one of the most effective mood enhancers there is.


On this ‘World Mental Health Day’ let us explore the mental health benefits of the No. 1 beverage in the world.

Coffee Can Help You Ward Off Depression

Caffeine addicts, it’s time to rejoice! A cup of coffee can not just help you battle sleepiness but also keep depressive thoughts at bay! According to a study conducted by Dr. Alan Leviton,Professor of Neurology, at Harvard Medical School, coffee drinkers are less likely to be depressed than those who do not drink coffee. The research titled 'Coffee Consumers Are Less Likely Than Others To Be Depressed', claims that the close connection between coffee and mental well-being is related to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and microbiome-promoting properties. The 2020 research evaluated data from more than 100 meta-analyses and was conducted on a sample of 300,000+ individuals across the world.

Coffee Reduces Oxidation

According to the research, blood levels of oxidative stress indicators tend to be high in people suffering from chronic depression. Women who exhibit more symptoms of depression typically have diets low in antioxidants. However, a daily dose of coffee can help keep depressive thoughts at bay as caffeine has antioxidants polyphenol flavonoids which are also known to be an antidote to depression.

Coffee Curbs Inflammation

Suicidal tendencies have been linked to inflammation before. Depressed people also tend to have higher blood levels of inflammation-related proteins than people who are not depressed.

Caffeine Blocks Distress Chemicals

According to the study, caffeine prevents receptors in the brain from binding with a chemical (adenosine). There is a close relationship between adenosine levels and depression. Those who regularly consume coffee tend to have higher levels of plasma adenosine levels.

Coffee’s Good For The Gut!

Probiotics are microorganisms that improve gut health and reduce depressive thoughts. Some components of coffee (probiotics) feed these microorganisms. Coffee drinking also facilitates the creation of fatty acids and neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline that are said to generate ‘feel-good’ emotions.

Coffee Relaxes The Mind

A 2013 study named ‘Coffee Caffeine and Risk of Completed Suicide: Results from three prospective cohorts of American adults’ led by the researchers of Harvard School of Public Health found that a daily intake of coffee can reduce suicidal tendencies by 50% in both men and women.

The researchers reviewed data from three large U.S. studies and discovered that the risk of suicide for adults who drank two to four cups of caffeinated coffee per day was about half of those who drank decaffeinated coffee or little to no coffee.

Coffee Can Boost Brain Function

Yes, you read that right! Caffeine consumption can lead to an increase in resting brain entropy which leads to a more active mind and results in faster information processing.

A 2018 research titled ‘Caffeine Caused A Widespread Increase of Resting Brain Entropy’ shed light on this particular ability of the world’s favourite beverage. The authors of this article argue that caffeine can act as a psychostimulant and help the brain operate with more speed and accuracy through a process called ‘cerebral entropy’ even when the brain is not actively engaged. Regular intake of coffee might therefore improve cognitive performance and verbal memory.

The Liquid Moodmaker

A 2010 study (Is Caffeine A Cognitive Enhancer?’) claimed that consuming 75mg of caffeine (equivalent to a cup of coffee) every four hours can result in a pattern of sustained mood improvement over the day. A 2016 study (‘Effects of a single, oral 60 mg caffeine dose on attention in healthy adult subjects)“ found out that consuming 60 mg of caffeine every day can lead to an enhanced feeling of contentment and optimism.

However, the mood-enhancing benefits of caffeine seem to work best under some specific conditions. A research paper, (‘Effects of caffeine on mood’ ) discovered that the mood-lifting effects of coffee seem to work more on adults than on younger people. The results will also depend on the time of consumption. Coffee is most effective as a mood-maker if taken in the late morning.

A Cup Of Coffee May Lower the Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

A 2010 research, ‘Caffeine as a protective factor in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease', published in the National Library of Medicine, found that drinking three to five cups of coffee during midlife can result in a decreased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by about 65% in later life.

A higher intake of coffee might slow down the accumulation of the amyloid protein in the brain which is one of the main culprits behind Alzheimer’s disease. Regular coffee consumption can also potentially reduce cognitive decline by up to 8% after 18 months.

So its time to wake up and smell the coffee. Your worries can wait.