Many smokers start their day with just a cigarette and a cup of coffee. And this combination, as it turns out, is not accidental. Researchers have found that chemicals in coffee beans reduce nicotine cravings.
In a new study, experts from the University of Florida found two substances in coffee that affect nicotine receptors in the brain. For those who smoke, these receptors can be especially sensitive in the morning.
Scientists have studied cells that mimic one of the human nicotinic receptors. To these cells they applied a solution of dark roasted coffee. It turned out that the organic chemical compound that is part of coffee helps to restore the dysfunction of nicotine receptors, which is why a person develops a craving for nicotine.
The data from this study lead experts to believe that one of the compounds in coffee – n-MP – helps reduce the need for nicotine in the morning.
