What your morning coffee really does to your brain

Caffeine, the main stimulant found in coffee, works on a chemical level to give you energy by replacing the biochemical Adenosine, which makes you tired, and boost in metabolism and an increase in physical performance muscle strength.

Caffeine replaces adenosine, which builds your Adrenaline and causes Dopamine to linger longer.

Caffeine also builds your Adrenaline supply which increases your heart rate and allows blood to pump faster. At the same time, caffeine prevents Dopamine from being reabsorbed into your system, which allows it to linger in the brain for a longer amount of time, causing you to feel it's positive effects (such as happiness) for a longer amount of time.

This lingering of Dopamine is what often triggers the brain to crave more Caffeine. After all, while dopamine itself isn't inherently addictive, it does play a large role in many addictions.

More coffee means more Adenosine receptors which means more coffee...

Within the first 10 minutes, the Caffeine enters your bloodstream and causing an increase in blood pressure and heart rate.

Up to 20 minutes after intake, Caffeine binds to the Adenosine receptors, neutralizing fatigue. Dopamine levels increase and linger, which provides the drinker with an alert and focused feeling.

Within 30 minutes, your Adrenal glands shift into high gear and begin producing more hormones. During this time your vision may become sharper due to your pupils dilating.

Within 40 minutes, your body begins producing more serotonin, which improves the neuron function within your spinal cord - this leads to improved coordination and muscle strength.

After 4 hours, your metabolism increases, which is why you burn energy faster. Your body begins to break down stored fats during this time.

Within 6 hours, the liquid coffee has gone through your system and you will likely feel the urge to urinate, during which time approximately half the Caffeine you consumed is expelled.

What time of day you drink your coffee can mean the difference between a good habit and a bad habit.

Of course, with anything caffeinated, moderation is key. When consumed in excess, caffeine can cause anxiety, heart palpitations

, and sleeping problems.

According to Consumer Reports, up to 400mg of caffeine per day (which equals two to four 8 ounce cups) can be part of a healthy diet, however anything over 600mg per day is too much.

There are several ways your daily caffeine intake is good for you. Not only can coffee improve your energy levels, but it can cause your brain to function at optimal levels, making you smarter.

Some other health benefits of coffee include:

Boosting your metabolism

Improving your physical performance

Helping you with your nutrient intake (the vitamins B2, B3, B5, Manganese, and Potassium are all found in coffee)

Lowering your risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Helping fight depression symptoms and make you happier

Providing a source of antioxidants

Consuming Caffeine when cortisol levels are high decreases the health benefits.

Cortisol, a naturally-occurring stress hormone, has a very distinct circadian rhythm that is regulated by the brain's central pacemaker. Interrupting this rhythm can lead to metabolic abnormalities, fatigue, and poor quality of life.

Consuming caffeine when your cortisol levels are at a natural peak can lead to interference in the production of Cortisol and an increase in your tolerance, which can impact your response to stress and will cause to you need more and more caffeine as time goes on.

The Cortisol levels in your body are at a natural peak three times per day, one of which is in the early morning. The best times to drink coffee are between 10 in the morning and 12 noon, and then again between 2 in the afternoon and 5 in the evening.

This will allow your brain to make the most of your caffeine surge, as it's not replacing any other important functions, such as the Cortisol release that naturally happens several times per day.