Why Coffee Makes You Happy

We just released a brand new Brazilian coffee, Para Ela. These coffee beans are unique in that they are hand-picked exclusively by women to further their economic opportunities. Knowing this fills our hearts with joy. Yet, we were curious if coffee makes us happy because buying beans like Para Ela supports women and those who empower them. Or, is there something special about our everyday cup of joe? Enjoy the routine of brewing a quality cup and read on to learn why coffee makes you happy.

The Caffeine-Dopamine Connection

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

We’re familiar with the increase in alertness and attention and the decrease in fatigue that comes from caffeine. And while feeling more alert and less tired can certainly make us happy, it’s not all that caffeine has to offer.

The Harvard School of Public Health identified a link between caffeine consumption and decreased suicide rates. Folks who drank two to four cups of caffeinated coffee were 50% less likely to commit suicide than those who drank decaf or little to no coffee. Harvard researchers also found that caffeine can have the same effects as a mild antidepressant. The folks at Harvard are not the first to notice a correlation between caffeine and lower suicide and depression rates. A study by the National Institute of Health confirmed that coffee drinkers are less likely to be depressed than non-coffee or decaf coffee drinkers. This may be because caffeine boosts the production of serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline — the happy chemicals in our brain and the
same ones that prescription antidepressants act on.

However, sipping any caffeinated drink won’t brighten your mood. Researchers specified it was the coffee that reduced suicide risks and made folks happier. In fact, studies have shown that caffeinated soda drinkers are actually more likely to be depressed than those who avoid soft drinks. It’s clearly not just the caffeine in coffee that makes us happy. So what gives?

Don’t Discount A Morning Ritual

We can’t discount the effect a morning ritual can have on our happiness. For many folks, mornings are tough. Voluntarily — or involuntarily — leaving a warm and cozy place can make even the most well-adjusted morning person a little cranky. So while some people drink coffee to wake up, others wake up to drink coffee.

Whichever way you brew your coffee, the simple yet comforting ritual is sure to put a smile on your face — or at least wipe away your grimace. From heating the water to the smell and warmth of those first few sips, making coffee is almost therapeutic. It’s impressive how something so small can make such
a large impact in our daily lives. So
let’s look forward to every cup,
whether it’s alone or in the company
of loved ones. Or our bosses.

And for folks who prefer their relaxing ritual later in the day, a quality decaf coffee like our Colombia Decaf coffee is a reassuring addition to any break time.

A Final Note: Quality Over Quantity

Coffee makes you happy thanks to the caffeine that increases dopamine as well as antioxidants. Plus, the morning ritual that comes with being an avid coffee drinker is relaxing. However, as studies show, there is a sweet spot when it comes to coffee consumption and happiness. The number to aim for is between two to four cups of coffee per day. Now, for some of us, that’s less than the amount we consume before even leaving the house in the morning.

So if there’s something you like — or love — every day of the week and it’s good for you in moderation — be it coffee, chocolate, or wine, treat yourself to the very best of it. Quality over quantity. And while we’re not always one to toot our own horn, in 2018 alone, our coffees won four bronze medals at the Golden Bean. We also earned five high scores from Coffee Review, one of the world’s leading coffee guides and we just released a limited supply of a new bean: Para Ela, which is 100% hand-picked by the women of Campos Altos to further their economic opportunities. Plus, Para Ela received a high-scoring 93 from Coffee Review.

Photo by Artem Bali on Unsplash


So go ahead, pour yourself another cup. After all, it’s good for you!