While it’s been proven to have ample neuroprotective effects, a new study found that too much coffee could be bad for your brain, and so is none of it. A good cup of coffee in the morning can boost your daily productivity and overall energy, but it has been scientifically shown to be good for you in the long run.
However, too much of it and it becomes potentially harmful. Recent studies conducted by the Italian Longitudinal Study on Aging reported that those who increase their coffee intake along the years have higher risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which is the earliest symptom before diagnosing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
There have been many conflicting studies regarding coffee and its medical effects on the human condition, besides the jolt of caffeine it’s regularly used for. It’s been a back and forth battle, with many tackling the topic, so scientists have delved deeper into the issue in order to reach a consensus.
The final result is that while big amounts of coffee may harm you, drinking none won’t benefit you either. Considering the confusion that ensued, Dr. Vicenzo Solfrizzi, attempted to clarify the matter by explaining the Italian Longitudinal Study on Aging’s findings.
The study was conducted on 1,445 participants, between the ages of 65 and 84 years old, inquiring about their daily consumption of coffee and comparing them to their current cognitive conditions, or lack thereof.
It was discovered that individuals with normal cognitive abilities who increased their coffee intake throughout the years from less or 1 than one cup per day to 2 or more cups/day had twice the risk of developing MCI. Gradually increasing caffeine consumption with your daily cup of joe will heighten the risk of brain problems in the future.
Those who had modified their intake through time have also reported one and a half times higher risk for cognitive issues than the habitual, regular users of 1 cup per day, meaning that it wasn’t the actual drinking that can cause further harm, but the slow increase that might deem it too much.
Interestingly observed, regular coffee drinkers (rated as 1 cup per day) showed much better and reduced chances of developing MCI than those who rarely or never drank coffee throughout their life as well. It has been proven to have beneficial effects on the drinker, for a sharper mind and, ironically, reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
The conclusion is very simple at the end of the study. Too much or not at all could pose risks, but one cup of coffee per day will actually be beneficial in the future. Moderation is key.
Image source: authoritynutrition.com
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