Is caffeine bad for the brain? Neuroscientist explains

Most people across the globe start their day with a cup of coffee. Be it a shot of espresso or a frothy cappuccino, that caffeine punch in the morning could really help to kickstart the day. Though caffeine is a staple in the morning, its effects on health have been long debated, especially on brain health. But is caffeine good or bad?

Dr. Wendy A. Suzuki, a neuroscientist and Dean of Arts and Sciences at New York University, and a professor of Neural Science and Psychology at the Center for Neural Science, has explained the ongoing debate.

“Caffeine, is it good or bad? There’s so much debate, but today, I’m setting the record straight. Whether you love coffee, tea, or matcha, you might be surprised,” the neuroscientist said in a post shared on her Instagram.

There is good news for coffee lovers. The neuroscientist explained that moderate caffeine intake can enhance alertness and memory. “It’s like a little cheerleader for your neurons,” she said, addressing coffee, tea, and matcha enthusiasts.

But that’s not all! Though coffee in moderate amounts is good for your brain, going overboard can kill the mood and even lead to deleterious effects. “Too much caffeine, that's a different story. That leads to jitters, anxiety, and wrecked sleep, which leads to crankiness, brain fog, which is no good,” she shared.

Caffeine can increase alertness by blocking the effects of adenosine, a brain chemical that makes you feel tired. This also triggers the fight-or-flight hormone adrenaline, which is linked with increased energy. But when you overdo coffee, the effects spike, leading to anxiety and nervousness. The American Psychiatric Association has listed caffeine-induced anxiety disorder as one of the four caffeine-related conditions recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

A 2017 study has suggested that caffeine consumption is safe for vulnerable populations such as pregnant and lactating women, children, young adults, and people with underlying heart or other health conditions, such as mental illness, as it can impair cardiovascular function and sleep.

Her advice? “Enjoy your caffeine in moderation and get good sleep to keep your brain in tip-top shape.”



So, how much caffeine is too much?

In low-to-moderate amounts, caffeine is safe. So enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning or evening shouldn't be a problem at all.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, for most adults, 400 milligrams a day, which is about two to three 12-fluid-ounce cups of coffee, is not generally associated with negative effects.