Coffee and Cigarette: Habit, Enjoyment or Other Reasons

For most smokers, the first cigarette of the day is usually accompanied by a cup of coffee. Is this action due to habit and to enjoy caffeine or could there be other reasons?

Researchers at the University of Florida say it's more than just a habit. In a study, these researchers reported two types of chemicals that directly affect the brain's nicotinic receptors (nAChR), which are: 1-methylpyridinium and 1-1-dimethylpiperidium. In people who smoke during the day, the sensitivity of nicotine receptors is cut down whereas a night of nicotine abstinence makes these receptors hyper-sensitive.

The results of this study showed that one of the substances in coffee known as n-MP can help reduce the sensitivity of nicotine receptors. This mechanism ultimately reduces the craving for smoking. Papke, the first author of this article, says these results are exciting and invites researchers to study more in this area.

 Reference