Trending News: Coffee may help boost problem solving
Are you a regular coffee drinker? Do you reach for a cup of Joe first thing in the morning? Tired of reading about studies that focus on the downside of Java?
If the answer is yes, you might want to keep reading. That’s because a recently published paper appearing in the journal Consciousness and Cognition suggests the beverage may boost problem solving-abilities in a significant way.
So, how much coffee are we talking about? Well, according to the research, participants who consumed approximately 200 mg of caffeine – or one 12oz cup – showed considerable enhanced problem-solving abilities when compared to those who were given a placebo.
Men’s Variety spoke to psychologist Gregory Harms about the findings to get his take. “We’ve known for years that caffeine helps some people to better focus and become more alert. I’m not surprised that problem-solving abilities were enhanced. But it’s just one line of research so, I’m not sure I would generalize the findings.”
Related: Can coffee prevent prostate cancer?
While the study offers good news for folks wanting to engage in problem-solving, this same line of research found that caffeine doesn’t boost creative thinking.
Darya Zabelina, assistant professor of psychology and one of the study’s authors, shared the following in a press release:
“The 200mg enhanced problem solving significantly but had no effect on creative thinking. It also didn't make it worse, so keep drinking your coffee; it won't interfere with these abilities.”
As an avid coffee drinker, I welcome these kinds of studies. After all, there are other lines of research to suggest coffee is terrible for you. For example, some believe that Java can stiffen your arteries and heighten the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Speaking only for myself, I think moderation is probably the best approach. Given the findings of this study, I am more likely now to start a pot of Folgers when I start figuring out my taxes. Talk about problem-solving!
Do you drink coffee? If so, how much? Have you found this beverage helpful to you? Share your thoughts below in the comments section.
