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...................................................................................... L OWER R ISK OF D EPRESSION With the effects caffeine has on the brain, it’s not surprising that it can enhance mood, and some studies show it may lower the risk of depression. One study found that subjects who drank four or more cups of coffee daily had a lower risk of de- veloping depressive symptoms than those who drink less than a cup of coffee daily. Other studies also show a link between a lower risk of depression and higher caffeine intake. However, at least one study shows this link holds for coffee but not other caffeinated beverages. So, it may be other components in coffee, such as antioxidants, that are responsible for the link. Plus, caffeine can cause insomnia in some people, and that could worsen depression. M AY R EDUCE THE R ISK OF N EURODEGENERATIVE D ISEASES Two of the most common degenerative diseases that affect the brain are Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. There’s some evidence that regularly consuming caffeine may lower the risk of both. One study found that people who drank between three and five cups of coffee daily had a 65% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Caffeine blocks receptors in the brain called adenosine receptors and researchers believe this may explain some of the protective benefits. Parkinson’s disease is another degenerative brain disease that can lead to dementia. Caffeinated, but not decaf, coffee seems to lower the risk, although this is just an association and doesn’t necessarily show causation. If there is a benefit, caffeine may not be acting alone to offer these benefits. One study found that caffeine and a fatty acid called EHT work to- gether to off protection against Parkinson’s disease. T HE B OTTOM L INE Caffeine often gets a bad rap because it causes jitteriness, and, in some people, a rapid heart rate and a short-term rise in blood pressure, but it also has potential health benefits. Some, like the boost in brain function and exercise endurance, are already proven while others, like a reduced risk of neu- rodegenerative disease, need more research. Keep in mind that caffeine affects each person differently. If you have medical problems, particularly cardiovascular disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure, talk to your physician before drinking more coffee. Studies show that most people can consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine each day safely. Since an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee contains around 95 milligrams of caffeine, that’s around four cups of coffee, but it’s important to know your own tolerance to caffeine. n References: NCLNet.org. “Get smart about caffeine — National Consumers League” Biol Psychol. 2010 Dec;85(3):496-8. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsy- cho.2010.08.012. Epub 2010 Sep 15. Nutrients. 2018 Sep; 10(9): 1333.Published online 2018 Sep 19. doi: 10.3390/nu10091333. Parkinson.org. “Coffee and Parkinson’s: Protection in the Mak- ing?” MayoClinic.org. “Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more” Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter DECEMBER 2020 21