If you had to make a list with the top three most popular drinks in the world, would you say coffee? Millions of people drink it everyday as part of their daily routine, many people fancy a cup of coffee after they wake up. Now, a scientific study, published in JAMA, shows that moderate consumption of coffee with caffeine could be related to a lower risk of dementia and better preservation of memory as people age.
It is important to understand from the beginning that the study does not say coffee is a cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. It also does not guarantee protection. What it suggests is that certain compounds found in coffee may have a protective effect on the brain. So, let’s find out more about the study and what this drink is capable of.
Drinking coffee and brain health
The study analyzed for decades the habits of almost 132,000 people. Scientists observed how much coffee they consumed and compared this data with their cognitive health with the passage of time.
One of the most relevant results was that people who drank between two and three cups of coffee a day had a lower risk of developing a cognitive decline compared to those who did not drink coffee. It’s important to mention that the benefit was associated with caffeinated coffee, not decaffeinated coffee, which suggests that caffeine may play an important role in the possible protective effect.
Why coffee could influence your brain
The possible impact of this drink in brain health could be related to several biological mechanisms. So, caffeine may help by:
- Reducing neuroinflammation, which is linked to brain aging.
- Lowering oxidative stress, which is associated with cell damage.
- Improving insulin sensitivity, which could reduce metabolic risk factors connected to dementia.
In addition to caffeine, coffee contains bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and chlorogenic acid, which have antioxidant effects and may support healthy blood vessel function in the brain.
Moderate consumption
Researchers found something they call ‘’ceiling effect,’’ which means that drinking more than two or three cups of coffee per day does not appear to increase the cognitive benefit. Basically, more coffee doesn’t mean more protection.
In fact, excessive caffeine intake can cause: nervousness, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and tremors.
Coffee included in a healthy lifestyle
Experts warn that this drink can provide a little help, but it’s not a substitute for other important habits. The possible positive effect is better understood when it’s part of a healthy lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and social interaction.
To sum up
Remember, this doesn’t mean coffee is a miracle cure or that it guarantees you will never develop Alzheimer’s or other cognitive decline. What it does is provide a small benefit that, combined with healthy habits, can make a difference over the years.
So the next time you make your cup, enjoy it in moderation and as part of a healthy lifestyle. Your brain will thank you, and each sip could be a small step toward protecting your memory and overall well-being. Who would have thought that this drink could be an ally for brain health?