Harvard Study: How Your Coffee Choice Impacts Decision-Making

Have you ever wondered whether there could be a link between our decision-making and the type of coffee we drink, including the timing of consumption? A new Harvard study suggests exactly that. The researchers examined not only various types of coffee and their effects on us but also potential side effects and the best timing for most people to enjoy their brew.

So, what did they find? The results are quite surprising:

Different Coffees, Different Effects
The study indicates that coffee can enhance quick decision-making skills but may also increase impulsivity. These effects depend on both the amount and type of coffee consumed. For example:

• Espresso: High in caffeine. It can support rapid decision-making due to its quick action on the brain, but it may also increase impulsivity.

• Filter Coffee: Contains a moderate amount of caffeine. Suitable for those who want a decision-making boost with a lower risk of excessive impulsivity.

• Decaf Coffee: Provides some of the benefits of coffee without caffeine’s stimulating effects. Ideal for those sensitive to caffeine.

The researchers emphasize that the impact on decision-making varies among individuals, as not everyone reacts to caffeine in the same way. “Some people may experience increased heart rate, anxiety, or heightened excitement after drinking coffee. We do not recommend making important decisions immediately afterward. Individual caffeine tolerance differs, so it is important to understand your personal reactions and monitor how coffee affects your body over time,” they note.

Supporting this, an additional study titled “Acute and Chronic Effects of Caffeine on Performance, Mood, Headache, and Sleep” confirms that different types of coffee affect individuals differently. As a result, it is important to consume coffee in moderation, since excessive intake may lead to side effects such as impulsivity and anxiety.