{"id":6212,"date":"2023-08-02T23:48:34","date_gmt":"2023-08-02T16:48:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=6212"},"modified":"2023-08-02T23:48:34","modified_gmt":"2023-08-02T16:48:34","slug":"are-coffee-and-happiness-actually-connected","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=6212","title":{"rendered":"Are Coffee and Happiness Actually Connected?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"drop-cap text-big text-gray\"> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">I<\/span>\u2019ve said it (a lot more than) once, but I\u2019ll say it again: <em>I freaking. love. coffee<\/em>. So much, in fact, that even writing about it is enough to be a high point of my day. When I discovered that inhabitants across <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/blue-zones-coffee-habits\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/blue-zones-coffee-habits\/\">several Blue Zones sip on coffee daily<\/a>, as well as the fact that Finland (aka the happiest country on Earth) has the <a href=\"https:\/\/worldpopulationreview.com\/country-rankings\/coffee-consumption-by-country\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/worldpopulationreview.com\/country-rankings\/coffee-consumption-by-country\">highest coffee consumption rates worldwide<\/a>, I couldn\u2019t help but wonder: Is coffee actually a magic bullet for happiness?<\/div>\n<p>Clearly, it very well is for me\u2026 or at least so I think. To see if the mood-boosting effects of coffee are legitimate across the board, I asked <a href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/eastcoasthealth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/eastcoasthealth\">Maddie Pasquariello, MS, RDN<\/a>, to unpack the *buzz* on the matter from a scientific, nutrition-backed standpoint.<\/p>\n<hr\/>\n<hr\/>\n<h2>Can coffee actually <em>cause<\/em> happiness?<\/h2>\n<p>The promise of more energy and productivity after consuming your morning cup may surely facilitate a positive mindset. So, too, can the pleasant aromas and the ritual of making, ordering, and drinking it. But does coffee have the actual potential\u2014scientifically speaking\u2014to yield feelings of happiness?<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSome research has suggested a possible correlation between coffee consumption and a <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/26339067\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/26339067\/\">lower risk of depression<\/a>,\u201d Pasquariello shares, \u201cbut it hasn&#8217;t been as well-studied whether coffee can contribute to a more general sense of daily well-being, or specifically to feelings of happiness or optimism.\u201d In fact, recent research shows a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9182697\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9182697\/\">\u201clargely null or weak\u201d association<\/a> between coffee intake and psychological well-being. However, results swaying either way can be skewed for several reasons.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/coffee-happiness\/\" current-title=\"Can Coffee Legitimately Make You Happier? Here\u2019s What the Science Says\" current-image=\"Stocksy_txpb61e7b75dGl300_Small_4395223-425x285.jpg\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2023-02-02\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/coffee-happiness\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/coffee-happiness\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/coffee-happiness\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Pasquariello reminds us that measures of happiness are largely subjective\u2014not to mention difficult to attribute to one source. \u201cSo many different internal and external factors contribute to one&#8217;s overarching sense of psychological well-being and happiness, making it difficult to parse out caffeine intake alone as a precipitating factor,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n<p>Take, for instance, the aforementioned Blue Zones regions, where inhabitants live longer, healthier, more joyful lives than most. Their coffee and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/blue-zones-caffeine-habits\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/blue-zones-caffeine-habits\/\">caffeine consumption<\/a> may have a <em>correlation<\/em> with these positive outcomes, but that\u2019s not the same thing as <em>causation<\/em>. \u201cWhat&#8217;s more, Blue Zones like Okinawa, Sardinia, and others\u2014and countries with high levels of reported happiness, like Finland\u2014have much more going on than just their caffeine and coffee intake,\u201d says Pasquariello. \u201cFrom a nutrition standpoint, people in these zones generally eat less red meat, sugar, and dairy; eat more lean protein, fiber, raw and fermented foods, and healthy fats; and pay attention to seasonality.\u201d That\u2019s in addition to having strong social and familial ties, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/exercises-for-longevity\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/exercises-for-longevity\/\">taking \u201cexercise snacks\u201d <\/a>throughout the day, and leading less stressful lives, among countless other things. \u201cAll of the above contribute to health, wellness, and feelings of happiness. Yet again, these are all correlations,\u201d she notes.<\/p>\n<p>These points considered, I probably <em>believe<\/em> I\u2019m happier with coffee in my system in part thanks to dopamine. \u201cIntake of caffeine, like other stimulants, <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/1356551\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/1356551\/\">results in dopamine release<\/a> in the prefrontal cortex,\u201d Pasquariello explains. The famous \u201cfeel-good\u201d neurotransmitter elicits arousal and a sense of reward, but ensuing glee isn\u2019t guaranteed. \u201cJust because something gives us that quick hit of dopamine doesn&#8217;t necessarily mean it will contribute to general happiness,\u201d the dietitian clarifies.<\/p>\n<p>Moreover, the fact that coffee can contribute to a healthy diet and lifestyle may be enough to put some pep in your step and a smile on your face. \u201cHealth-promoting behaviors\u2014of which drinking coffee is largely thought to be one\u2014do, on the whole, contribute to our psychological state by interacting with neurological pathways and mood,\u201d Pasquariello continues. Basically, if you know you\u2019re doing right by your body, you may experience a sense of contentment and higher self-esteem, thus promoting positive outcomes for your mood and mental health.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cHealth-promoting behaviors\u2014of which drinking coffee is largely thought to be one\u2014do, on the whole, contribute to our psychological state by interacting with neurological pathways and mood,\u201d Pasquariello says.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2>The bottom line<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/benefits-of-coffee\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/benefits-of-coffee\/\">Packed with protective antioxidants<\/a> and energizing caffeine, coffee can be a healthy component of your daily diet\u2014so long as you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/caffeine-poisoning\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/caffeine-poisoning\/\">don\u2019t overdo it<\/a> or envision it as a magical cure. \u201cWhile caffeine is linked to a number of health benefits, it isn&#8217;t a panacea when it comes to health or happiness,\u201d Pasquariello concludes.<\/p>\n<p>At the same time, she advises against relying on coffee\u2014or any food or drink, for that matter\u2014as a crutch to evoke happiness. \u201cIt can actually be helpful to think of mood as something adjacent to what we eat and drink, rather than a result or cause of it,\u201d she explains. \u201cMood is often impacted by these factors, and it can be fruitful to notice when that comes up. But we shouldn&#8217;t be dependent on them to change our mood, as doing so can even at times be detrimental from a behavioral standpoint.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>All things considered, if coffee is a fixed item on your morning menu, it\u2019s likely benefiting your health in one way or another. However, relying on it for the sole purpose of boosting happiness\u2014or even starting to drink it with this goal in mind, especially if you don\u2019t tolerate it well\u2014isn\u2019t advised.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><script async defer src=\"https:\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I\u2019ve said it (a lot more than) once, but I\u2019ll say it again: I freaking. love. coffee. So much, in fact, that even writing about it is enough to be a high point of my day. When I discovered that inhabitants across several Blue Zones sip on coffee daily, as well as the fact that &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6213,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6212","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6212","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6212"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6212\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6213"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6212"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6212"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6212"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}