Smell of coffee stimulates brain activity

A new study reveals that the smell of coffee is enough to get the brain to up its performance.

In the tests carried out by researchers at the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey, people who sat in a room that smelled of coffee were better at test solving, as their brains reacted as if they had consumed caffeine.

Coffee is already believed to reduce risk of heart disease, stimulate metabolism and reduce chances of dying young.

The researchers administered a 10-question GMAT algebra test in a computer lab to about 100 undergraduate business students, divided into two groups. One group took the test in the presence of an ambient coffee-like scent, while a control group took the same test — but in an unscented room. They found that the group in the coffee-smelling room scored significantly higher on the test. It is not clear whether the scent alone has the same chemical effect on the brain as the consumption of coffee. The results suggest that expectations about performance can be explained by beliefs that coffee scent alone makes people more alert and energetic.

Recent research shows that coffee also reduces risk of depression, stimulates long-term memory and protects from Alzheimer's disease and dementia, Telegram reports.

– Olfaction is one of our most powerful senses – says Stevens School of Business professor Adriana Madzharov, who led the research

– Employers, architects, building developers, retail space managers and others, can use subtle scents to help shape employees’ or occupants’ experience with their environment. It’s an area of great interest and potential – she says.

coffee

influence of coffee on the brain

influence of coffee scent on the brain

scent of coffee

Stevens Institute of Technology

Adriana Madzharov

caffeine