Coffee: A Modern Necessity

Despite the fact that many students may not be returning to school during the upcoming semester, one thing is sure to return: the consumption of coffee. Whether it’s Dunkin’ Donuts’s catchphrase “America Runs on Dunkin’” or Starbucks’s twin-tailed siren, there are countless appearances of this product in the modern world. It seems as though there are coffee-based drinks designed for everyone: black coffee for those seeking a low-calorie option, frappuccinos for those wanting something sweet, espresso for those wanting a richer flavor, and of course, an iced coffee with milk and sugar from the bagel cart or Ferry’s for Stuyvesant students. Many of these coffee drinkers credit this morning drink with keeping them awake throughout the day after a long night of working or studying. So what exactly is coffee, and how does it give people the energy boost they desire?

Coffee originated from Africa in the country of Ethiopia during the ninth century. Once Ethiopians discovered coffee’s uplifting effect, coffee culture began to spread around the world. Coffee was introduced from the Islamic world to Europe through trade, and cafés subsequently became commonplace in European cities. From there, coffee beans were spread and grown throughout the East Indies. Coffee production was also introduced to the Americas during the 18th century. Today, it appears as if there is a coffee shop on nearly every street.

The process of creating a cup of coffee begins with the coffee tree. The fruit of the tree, known as the coffee bean, is the secret behind the 2.25 billion cups of coffee consumed daily. These beans are roasted and ground into a fine powder that serves as the base of all coffee drinks. A single Arabica bean contains six milligrams of caffeine, while a Robusta bean has 10 milligrams; a standard eight-ounce cup of coffee has approximately 95 milligrams of caffeine. Caffeine helps consumers feel alert, happy, focused, and energetic. It is believed that the production of this drug was a trait found in the coffee tree that helped it survive. Studies published in the journal Science shed light on how caffeine in low doses, as found in the nectar of the coffee tree, helps bees and other insects remember the plant better and revisit it more often, raising the chance of pollen on the tree spreading.

After entering the body, caffeine acts as a central nervous system stimulant. Because the body needs a constant supply of energy, a high-energy molecule, known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP), is constantly being broken down. In the process, adenosine, a sleep-inducing molecule, is released into the body. Neurons in the brain have receptors tailored toward this molecule. When adenosine binds to these receptors, it causes neurons to react more languidly and slow the release of certain brain-signaling molecules. This delay causes an individual to feel more tired. Therefore, caffeine is known as an adenosine receptor antagonist because it prevents adenosine from binding to proper receptors in the brain. Due to caffeine and adenosine’s similar molecular structures, caffeine has the ability to infiltrate the adenosine receptors without activating them. As a result, the consumption of caffeine prevents adenosine from binding to the appropriate receptors, diminishing the effects of sleepiness.

Caffeine is also linked to dopamine, a pleasure-inducing molecule. When adenosine enters a paired receptor with dopamine, the shape of the receptor changes and makes it difficult for dopamine to bind. As a result, the dopamine cannot reach the receptor, and the feelings of pleasure subside. However, when caffeine enters the paired receptor, dopamine can still bind with the receptor relatively easily. Because dopamine can now reach the receptor, feelings of pleasure can be felt. According to Scientific American, the brain’s desire to re-experience these emotions will cause it to begin seeking out caffeine.

Beyond a brighter mood, coffee can also provide health benefits. A report published in 2017 by the Annual Review of Nutrition links caffeine’s effect on adenosine and dopamine receptors, with a reduced risk of an individual developing diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and some types of cancers. Though research is still being done on the science behind coffee’s disease prevention abilities, most scientists believe it is because of hormonal changes caused by caffeine. Healthline has also published findings connecting coffee to an increase in the body’s ability to burn fat, as caffeine increases the level of epinephrine (a hormone that mobilizes fat from fat tissue).

Despite the positive aspects of coffee, there are also some downsides. According to Mayo Clinic, coffee is associated with increased heart rate, blood pressure, urination, and diarrhea. In extreme cases, it can intensify the effects of anxiety and insomnia. The brain can also adapt to regular consumption of coffee. After it notices that the adenosine receptors are constantly clogged, it creates new ones. This means that the body will need an increased amount of caffeine over time to feel energized. Furthermore, over the last few years, reports from National Geographic and other news magazines have suggested that the extinction of popular coffee trees like Arabica and Robusta is due to changes in the climate that growers are unable to control. This extinction would be detrimental to the coffee industry, as it relies on these species to make its drinks. As a result, humans must prioritize forest protection if they want to preserve the tradition of having a cup of coffee every morning.

Coffee is no stranger to the average Stuyvesant student. From procrastinating on MET projects in Art Appreciation to studying until the a.m.s for especially difficult physics tests, it is hailed as a useful tool to give us the temporary boost we need to get through the day after a long night of productivity (or idleness). The next time you stop by the bagel cart for a cup of coffee to boost your spirits, thank caffeine and the coffee tree.