This is interesting if you’re a coffee drinker or planning to start soon:
- Consume in small, frequent amounts. Between 20-200mg per hour may be an optimal dose for cognitive function. I used to drink a small cup for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snacks. But since I lost my insulated bottle, I’ve only been drinking for breakfast. Maybe it’s time to look for a new one.
- Play to your cognitive strengths while wired. Caffeine may increase the speed with which you work, may decrease attentional lapses, and may even benefit recall – but is less likely to benefit more complex cognitive functions, and may even hurt others. Plan accordingly (and preferably prior to consuming caffeine!)
- Play to caffeine’s strengths. Caffeine’s effects can be maximized or minimized depending on what else is in your system at the time. The beneficial effects of caffeine may be most pronounced in conjunction with sugar. Unfortunately, I like my coffee black.
- Know when to stop – and when to start again. Although you may not grow strongly tolerant to caffeine, you can become dependent on it and suffer withdrawal symptoms. Balance these concerns with the cognitive and health benefits associated with caffeine consumption – and appropriately timed resumption.
- Finding good sources of caffeine. Black coffee for me.
Source: ScienceBlogs