Decaf has just as much kick as regular coffee

If you can't start the day without a strong cup of coffee, you might be surprised to know that decaf could give you just as much of a lift.

A new study by the University of East London has found that the stimulating effect of coffee could be all in the mind - and it's the anticipation of the caffeine hit that perks us up.

Researchers studied 88 volunteers aged between 18 and 47 who were self-confessed coffee lovers, downing at least two cups every day.

As part of the study, some were given caffeinated coffee and told it was decaffeinated, and others were given decaffeinated and told it contained caffeine.

They then undertook a series of tests designed to measure mental performance, reaction times and mood.

Although the results showed that genuine caffeine drinkers showed improved performance on a test which involves stating the colour that a word is printed on - for example, the word 'blue' printed on a green card - they didn't have faster reaction times.

But those who had unknowingly drunk decaf performed better on the the colour test and had improved reaction times.

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."

From: lifestyle.aol.co.uk