Decreases. Alcohol is a substance that depresses the central nervous system, because it reduces its activity by hindering the passage of messages between brain neurons. It is not known exactly why this happens, but it is believed that alcohol changes the composition of the membrane of neurons, making it difficult for them to transmit nerve impulses. This makes the person drowsy, unbalanced and without motor coordination.
Caffeine in coffee has the exact opposite effect. “It intensifies the passage of these neuronal messages, mitigating the effect caused by the ingestion of alcoholic beverages”, says biochemical pharmacist Roberto De Lucia, from the University of São Paulo. To reduce the effect of drunkenness, coffee must be ingested without sugar, as this substance makes it difficult for the body to absorb caffeine, impairing its action.
– How is decaffeinated coffee made?
– How does the espresso machine work?
– Is it true that mate tea has more caffeine than coffee?