Tag: Cerebral blood flow

L-citrulline, a non-essential amino acid found in foods like watermelon, has been reported to prevent neuronal cell death and protect against cerebrovascular injury. This demonstrates its potential to positively influence brain health and function through several key mechanisms.

While many people rely on coffee for a morning boost, most do not realize its direct physiological effect on the brain. Contrary to popular assumption, caffeine's role as a stimulant does not come from increasing cerebral blood flow. The real answer to, 'Does coffee increase blood flow to the brain?' is that it actually does the opposite, acting as a vasoconstrictor.

According to a study published in *The Journal of Headache and Pain*, caffeine acts as a potent cerebral vasoconstrictor, narrowing blood vessels in the brain. This mechanism is key to understanding the complex relationship when asking, does caffeine raise intracranial pressure, as evidence suggests its immediate effect is often the opposite.