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Can Coffee Cure a Hangover? A Scientific Exploration

Disclaimer: At Cafenately we don’t encourage drinking — unless you are talking about our coffee. Then by all means — drink up!!

Before you start reading down, let me throw in another disclaimer- Please remember its always good to drink ample of water and detoxify yourself before consuming anything else. And always… always drink in moderation and play by the law and rules.

Let’s be honest we’ve all been there: a night of indulgence with perfect company that is sometimes followed by the dreaded hangover, isn’t that how it normally unfolds? And it’s observed that many people reach for a cup of coffee in hopes of finding some relief. But can coffee really cure a hangover? Let’s delve into the science behind coffee and its potential effects on a hangover, exploring the compounds in coffee that may help sober you up, and how it impacts dopamine to enhance wakefulness. We’ll also look at whether espresso or a regular milk coffee is the best choice for hangover relief.

The Science Behind: Elements in Coffee That Help with Hangovers

Coffee contains several compounds that could theoretically help alleviate hangover symptoms:

Caffeine: The primary active ingredient in any coffee. Caffeine is a stimulant that can help reduce the grogginess and headache often associated with hangovers. It works by blocking adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep, thus making you feel more awake and alert.

Antioxidants: Coffee is also known to be rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation. Since alcohol consumption can cause inflammation or irritation in the body, these antioxidants play a role in eliminating some hangover symptoms.

Chlorogenic Acids: These compounds found in coffee have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, potentially helping to combat the effects of a hangover.

Coffee and Dopamine: The Wakefulness Factor

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in how we feel pleasure and motivation. One of the reasons why we often see celebs starting their day with a perfect coffee. Caffeine in coffee can increase the release of dopamine in the brain, leading to improved mood and a heightened sense of alertness. This dopamine boost can be particularly beneficial when you’re dealing with the sluggishness and a hangover.

Coffee: Espresso or Milk Coffee?

When it comes to hangovers, the type of coffee you choose might make a difference:

Espresso: Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee, offering a quick and strong dose of caffeine and is consumed in small shots. It’s also low in calories and doesn’t contain added sugars or fats, which might make it a good choice if you’re looking for a straightforward caffeine hit to combat hangover.

Milk Coffee: A regular coffee with milk, such as a latte or cappuccino, provides caffeine but in moderation. The milk can help settle your stomach and provide a bit of hydration, which is often needed after a night of drinking. Additionally, milk contains proteins and fats that can help slow the absorption of caffeine, providing a more sustained release of energy.

The Verdict: Can Coffee Cure a Hangover?

While you may like to think that coffee can be a cure-all for your hangover, but it can only alleviate some symptoms of a hangover, such as drowsiness and headaches and provide you relief to an extent. The dehydration caused due to alcohol consumption needs to be addressed with water. Remember coffee, being a diuretic, can actually worsen dehydration if not consumed with adequate water.

So what kills a hangover? Walk into your nearest pharmacy and ask for anti-hangover pills and voila, you should be fixed in an hour’s time! Welcome 😉