How does caffeine make you more alert and work as a cognitive enhancer if it reduces blood flow to the brain?

Question

I’ve just read that a 250mg dose of caffeine can reduce blood flow to the brain by 22%-30%.

It seems counter intuitive to me that a chemical that restricts blood flow to the organ responsible for all mental operations actually improves our mental functioning.

There’s probably a simple answer but 22-30% seems like it would significantly impair the brain’s functioning

In: 129

Answer 1

Side note: 250mg is a LOT. I consider myself a caffeine junkie and just thinking about taking in that much in one drink or over a short period of time makes me twitch. I’m happy topping out at 200mg at once, tyvm