A new study shows that people who drink three cups of coffee each day are at a lower risk to develop Alzheimer’s disease early on. According to research, those individuals with higher blood levels of caffeine were able to fight off the disease for two to four years longer.
Alzheimer’s develops as leftover protein, beta-amyloid, accumulates on the brain. As people get older, this protein cannot be metabolized. The build-up results in memory loss, mood swings and confusion. The high levels of caffeine found in coffee work to prevent the production of this protein.
The study concluded that people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) had 50% lower levels of caffeine in their body. They were also the same patients who developed Alzheimer’s in later visits.
Researchers have also found that coffee can help to reduce the risk of other diseases as well including Parkinson’s disease, stroke and breast cancer. Caffeine has the ability to increase cyclic AMP levels, which regulate glycogen, sugar, and lipid metabolism in our body. These levels then work to prevent the accumulation of amyloid. Easier put, caffeine is a crucial component of the process to keep out the leftover protein.
Not only does it help to prevent diseases, but it also increases our attention. Given the fact that attention and memory go hand in hand, caffeine can improve our memory as well.
Grabbing that last minute latte on the way to work no longer needs to feel guilty!
– The Alternative Daily