Coffee and brain health: this is how daily drinking may protect memory

Scientists have been trying for years to decipher the effect of coffee on the human body – and especially on the brain. For decades, professionals have warned against excessive caffeine consumption, but recent studies paint a more balanced and even more positive picture. It turns out that coffee, one of the world’s most popular beverages for centuries, may offer significant benefits for brain health.

1. Possible slowing down of Alzheimer’s development

A study conducted in Florida examined adults who suffered from mild cognitive decline over a period of two to four years. It was found that participants with high levels of caffeine in their blood – the equivalent of consuming about three cups of coffee a day – were at a significantly lower risk of developing full-blown Alzheimer’s disease compared to others.

2. Drinking coffee is linked to longevity

In a large-scale study that included more than 400,000 adults, it was found that men who drank two cups of coffee a day lived an average of 10% longer than those who did not drink coffee at all. For women, the figure was even higher – about 13% longer life expectancy among coffee drinkers.

3. Protection against Parkinson’s and relief of symptoms

Various studies indicate that drinking coffee reduces the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Among people who already have the disease, it has been found that caffeine may help reduce motor symptoms such as tremors and stiffness.

4. Inhibiting processes related to dementia

Experiments on animals have shown that caffeine affects the activity of adenosine – a chemical substance in cells that may activate a chain of processes leading to impairment of neuron function, brain degeneration and dementia. Blocking this activity may slow down degenerative processes in the brain.

5. A major source of antioxidants

Although fruits like blueberries and pomegranates get most of the credit in the field of antioxidants, studies show that for many, coffee is actually the main source of antioxidants in the daily diet – and sometimes by a significant margin from any other source.

So how healthy is coffee?

As always, the key is balance. Most studies point to benefits in moderate coffee consumption, especially among adults. For coffee lovers, this is definitely a good reason to enjoy the next cup – not only for alertness, but also for the brain.