Update Mood og emotion 2017

Coffee, caffeine, mood and emotion – an overview

The terms ‘mood’ and ‘emotion’ are often used interchangeably in colloquial conversation. However, in scientific terms, mood and emotion have different definitions. A mood is a relatively long-lasting affective state³²; while an emotion is of shorter duration. It has been suggested that emotions can be defined by episodes of synchronised change, with components such as bodily reactions (such as blushing), and motor expressions³³.

In Europe, mental health and mental disorders (including depression and anxiety) pose a significant public health challenge³⁴. Every year, 1 out of 15 people suffer from major depression in Europe, and if anxiety and all forms of depression are included, nearly 4 out of 15 people are affected³⁵.

Evidence suggests that diet and exercise can affect neuronal development and physiology and protect the brain from neurological illnesses or injuries³⁶. Of note, coffee, cocoa and tea are being actively investigated because they are rich in polyphenolic compounds that may have beneficial effects on mental health, including behaviour, mood, depression and cognition³⁷.

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