Coffee aroma may improve mood before people drink it
A small study of healthy young adults published in Nutrients on September 9 found that smelling coffee reduced tension and fatigue.
Smell linked to lower stress
Researchers observed reductions in negative mood measures such as confusion and fatigue. The aroma appeared to help manage stress even without the intake of caffeine. Heart rate showed no significant changes during the observation period.
Conditioning drives the effect
Experts suggest these benefits stem from expectations rather than direct physiological changes. Rod Mitchell noted that regular drinkers pair the scent with warmth and relief thousands of times. This learning process trains the body to settle when it smells coffee.
More research is needed
The study involved only healthy young adults who participated in the trial. Further investigation is required to fully understand the long-term effects on mood. Scientists want to know if these results apply to other populations.
Reported by one outlet
Only one outlet has published this. Nothing here has been checked against a second report, so read it as that outlet's account and follow the link below for the original.
Reported by
1 independent outlet. Headline as published. Links open the original report.