An intellectual exchange

Dr Fahim Chand | Tuesday October 15, 2024 11:38

Inside the car, the pitter-patter of rain on the roof blended into an unexpected remix of the song playing on the stereo. I pressed the arrowed button, cranking up the volume as Bono’s voice filled the car, belting out With or Without You.

Something in his voice stirred my own, and soon I was harmonising with the legendary rock star. My love for music demanded I hold nothing back, my face contorting with emotion as I sang along. But while I’ve always adored music, I’ve never been blessed with the vocal prowess of U2’s frontman—nor the raspy charm of Bob Dylan. Alone in the car, though, I could unleash my voice without fear, grateful there were no ears to offend but my own.

Just as swiftly as the downpour began, it retreated, as if the heavens had taken a breath. One can only wonder what cosmic alchemy grants Botswana the power to summon such a fierce storm, shaking the earth and sky, only to part the clouds moments later and reveal a sliver of sunlight. Nature’s artistry hadn’t finished yet; a radiant rainbow now stretched across the sky, each vibrant hue refracted through the mist like a masterpiece of light.

As I marvelled at the display, one thought lingered—the absence of black. But is black truly a colour? Physics insists otherwise. Unlike the vibrant shades that reflect light, black absorbs it, the void in the spectrum, the absence of light itself. In a way, black is nature’s anomaly, capable of existing without light, a silent counterpart to the rainbow’s dazzling display. It is the colour of mystery, as deep as the cosmos itself. In its depths lies both absence and infinite possibility, a cloak that swallows light yet cradles hidden stars within. Black wields power, wrapping itself around silence and fear, yet embodies timeless elegance. As Coco Chanel once remarked: “Black wipes out everything else around.”

I’ve always had an affinity for this shade—or absence of it, to be precise—and it strangely brings to mind the role it played in my academic life. Black was my saviour more than once, the inky elixir of coffee that revived my tired mind when exams loomed and my will to study waned. It was black that reawakened my fading neurons, urging me forward when nothing else could.

From its legendary discovery by an Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi—who noticed his goats becoming lively after nibbling on coffee berries—coffee has grown to become the second most consumed beverage on earth, after water. In the 17th century, coffee houses emerged as vibrant hubs for intellectual exchange, particularly in Europe and the Middle East.

These were the “penny universities,” where, for the cost of a cup, one could engage in lively debate and rich conversation. Economically, coffee is a giant, one of the most traded commodities globally, with an industry valued at over $100 billion—second only to oil in trade volume. In both my Mmegi column and my conversations with patients at my Prodent Dental Clinic, I’ve often praised the health benefits of coffee. Moderation is key, but a daily cup or two has been linked to heart health and a reduced risk of conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and type 2 diabetes. As an added bonus, coffee is packed with antioxidants, making it not just a wake-up call, but a boost for well-being. Have you ever heard of a ‘coffee nap?’ I’d hazard a guess, probably not.

A ‘coffee nap’ may sound like a paradox, but it’s a brilliant hack for maximising energy. The concept is simple; drink a cup of coffee, then immediately take a short nap, about 15-20 minutes long. When you wake, you’ll feel more refreshed than if you had only napped or only had coffee.

But why does this work? The science behind a ‘coffee nap’ revolves around adenosine, a chemical in your brain that builds up throughout the day, making you feel tired. Caffeine blocks adenosine, giving you a jolt of energy. But it takes about 20 minutes for caffeine to fully kick in. During a nap, your body naturally clears some of the adenosine build up.

By the time you wake, the caffeine has entered your system, and with lower levels of adenosine, it has a more potent effect. The result? A powerful one-two punch: the rejuvenating benefits of a nap and the energising effects of caffeine.

Studies have shown ‘coffee naps’ improve alertness and cognitive performance better than either strategy alone. Perfect for a midday slump or a quick recharge, ‘coffee naps’ allow you to bounce back with increased focus and energy, without the grogginess sometimes associated with naps. As I reflect on this modern marvel, I can’t help but lament that, during my university days, when my black coffee elixir was the only thing keeping my weary neurons firing, the science of the ‘coffee nap’ had yet to be revealed. How I could have used the extra sleep!