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As a nutritionist, I enjoy coffee for more than its aroma and morning lift.
More Than a Pick-Me-Up
Most people reach for coffee as a way to ease into the day, however, science now confirms that coffee’s reach extends far beyond boosting alertness. Regular coffee drinkers—by applying particular restraints—can lower the risk of disease.
A recent National Health study on more than 2000 adults over 60 showed that those who drank high amounts of brewed coffee —equal to or more than two cups per day—had 42 percent lower odds of poor cognitive performance compared to non-coffee drinkers. The study suggests coffee drinking protects against cognitive decline by reducing oxidative damage to brain cells (neurons). Coffee may also influence neurotransmitter balance, which is crucial for maintaining memory and thinking skills as people age.
Coffee polyphenols, in particular, have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce Type 2 diabetes risk in a recent metabolic review, while additional research from CND Life Sciences linked coffee consumption to a lowered incidence of Parkinson’s disease, reinforcing both its metabolic and neuroprotective effects.
