Coffee, in the right quantities, is proven to be good, especially for the brain. Besides giving us a 'lift' when needed, it can help us live longer, reduce inflammation and reduce the risk of diabetes.
For a study done in Hamburg, Germany, the brains of more than 2000 people between the ages of 45 and 74 were recently studied. She compared four groups of people who said they drank regularly - less than 1 cup of coffee a day, 1-2 cups a day, 3-4 cups a day, 5-6 cups of coffee a day.
The study found that those who regularly drank three to four cups of coffee a day had the strongest brain structure by looking at several factors, including preserved cortical thickness, which is generally associated with higher intelligence.
The authors noted that the study was conducted on a relatively small and homogeneous group. They also pointed out that those who drank more coffee were healthier and more educated at baseline, so these potential confounding factors cannot be ruled out.
They also wrote that more research is needed to determine whether decaffeinated coffee has similar effects. Even so, these initial findings dovetail with a large body of evidence supporting the idea that coffee is good for the brain and overall health.
Coffee has been shown to slow cognitive decline and potentially reduce the risks of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, a 2017 meta-analysis of the health effects of coffee found that coffee reduces the incidence of cardiovascular and other diseases, as well as neurological, metabolic and liver conditions. Although not all of these studies looked at the exact number of cups, some of them suggest a threshold of three to four cups for optimal benefit.
This new research suggests that the habit of drinking your favorite beverage improves brain structure, and three or four cups may have an even greater effect.
It is advised not to consume caffeine if you experience jitters, anxiety or heart palpitations. Other ways to support brain health on a daily basis include prioritizing sleep, activity and learning new things, reports 24sata.
So, according to this research, three to four cups of coffee a day could be the magic number for preserving critical brain structures, helping to improve cognitive abilities and overall brain function. MB extension.
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