London - Millions swear by a morning cup of coffee to perk them up for the day.
But the stimulating effect of the drink may be all in the mind, a study has suggested.
British researchers studied 88 volunteers aged between 18 and 47 who were self-confessed coffee lovers, downing at least two cups every day.
Some were given caffeinated coffee and told it was decaffeinated. Others were given decaffeinated but were told it contained caffeine.
The recruits then undertook a series of tests designed to measure mental performance, reaction times and mood.
The results showed the genuine caffeine drinkers showed improved performance on a test which involves stating the colour a word is printed in - for example, when a card with the word “blue” on it appears but the word itself is green.
However, the caffeine drinkers did not appear to have boosted reaction times.
But those who wrongly thought they had caffeinated coffee performed better on both the colour test and reaction times.
The results of the study by the University of East London suggest coffee’s powers may be due to anticipation.
The researchers said: “The findings suggest the expectation of having consumed caffeine confers an enhancement on sustained attention that is at least comparable, and perhaps superior to, the effects of caffeine.”
The report was published in the journal Appetite.
UK consumers drink an estimated 70million cups of coffee a day.
It is well known that caffeine is a stimulant. Some studies have even suggested three coffees a day can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. - Daily Mail