The coffee connection
Studies suggest the potential role of coffee in reducing the risks of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease and certain cancers
Enjoy coffee in moderation. Three to five cups daily is safe for adults
COFFEE is one of the world’s most popular drinks, enjoyed by millions daily. Not surprisingly, it has come under much scrutiny.
Is coffee safe to be consumed? Will it cause illnesses? Can it protect us from diseases? These questions, and more, have been extensively researched for a long time.
Let’s look at the potential effects of coffee on Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and cancers.
REDUCES RISK OF ALZHEIMER’S?
Alzheimer’s is a condition that affects the function of the brain. People with Alzheimer’s often have problems remembering things, making decisions and understanding languages. They may also show changes in their behaviour.
This condition commonly affects people over 60 years old. Its cause is not entirely known yet, but is thought to include both genetic and environmental factors.
A few studies have suggested that coffee consumption may be able to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. A population-based study found that middle-aged coffee drinkers had a lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s later in life. The lowest risk was found in people who drank three to five cups a day. These findings open up interesting possibilities of the potential role of coffee in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s.
PROTECTS FROM PARKINSON’S?
Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the brain that causes shaking (tremors) and hampers movements and coordination. It most often develops after the age of 50, though sometimes it can occur in younger adults. To date, there is no known cure.
Since 1968, scientists have known that coffee drinking is related to a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease. More recently, a meta-analysis (which evaluated 13 published studies) suggested that coffee drinkers had 30 per cent less chance of developing Parkinson’s disease in later life. Some studies suggest this could be due to certain substances in coffee that help protect the nerve cells in the body from damage.
WHAT ABOUT CANCERS?
An expert report, collaboratively published by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research, stated that it is unlikely that coffee drinking has any substantial effect on increasing or decreasing the risk of cancer of either the pancreas or kidney.
But evidence from large-scale population studies suggests that coffee drinking is associated with a lower risk of liver, kidney, and to a lesser extent, colorectal and premenopausal breast cancers. It is possible that substances contained in coffee — such as caffeine, diterpenes, caffeic acid, polyphenols and various volatile aromatic and heterocyclic compounds — play a role in reducing the risks of these cancers.
More studies are still needed to support previous findings on the beneficial effects of coffee consumption. But it has been established that three to five cups a day is safe for adults. So, enjoy your coffee in moderation.
This article is by Nutrition Society of Malaysia with Nestle
Nescafe. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice.
Coffee with Bill & Sheila
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