Coffee makes many people feel alert, energized and even more cheerful, but can that steaming espresso, latte or cappuccino make you smarter?

Not exactly, researchers say, but studies show that it does give brain power a wake-up jolt.

"It allows you to use what brain power you have in a much more efficient and focused way," said Time magazine reporter Michael Lemonick, an avid coffee-drinker who's been looking at caffeine's effects on the brain for a recent article.

The drug -- it is a drug -- works by blocking the neurotransmitters that would normally calm the brain and cause a sleepy feeling.

Find out more about health benefits of coffee at http://www.cnn.com/2006/HEALTH/01/11/caffeine.smarter/index.html.