Drinking More Than 6 Cups Of Coffee A Day Can Reduce Brain Volume And Increase The Risk Of Dementia

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JAKARTA - Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Many of us enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning to start the day, then a cup in the afternoon as an additional "fuel" when the body and mind start to get tired while getting work done.

Some people even need cups of coffee to improve concentration and as a barrier to drowsiness while working.

It is undeniable that coffee is a major source of antioxidants. Coffee is often associated with many health benefits, including a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and liver disease. In the world of beauty, the antioxidants contained in coffee are often used to help remove cellulite or skin scars.

However, there is a saying that says that too much of anything is not good for us. Similar to coffee, although coffee has many health benefits (when taken in the right amount and type), too much coffee can also harm the body, especially the brain.

Launch Antara, Wednesday, August 11, a study recently conducted by researchers from the University of South Australia found that drinking more than six cups of coffee a day can shrink brain volume and increase the risk of dementia.

UniSA lead researcher and PhD candidate Kitty Pham said the research provides important insights for public health.

"Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. But with global consumption of more than nine billion kilograms per year, it is important for us to understand its potential health implications," Pham said.

So how does coffee affect the brain?

Caffeine as the main ingredient in coffee can affect the central nervous system in several ways. However, the effect is believed to come from the way caffeine interacts with adenosine receptors.

Adenosine is a neurotransmitter in the brain that can encourage the body to rest. Neurons in your brain have specific receptors that adenosine can attach to. Adenosine usually builds up during the day and eventually makes you sleepy.

Caffeine and adenosine have a similar molecular structure. So when caffeine is present in the brain, it competes with adenosine for binding to the same receptors. However, caffeine does not slow down the performance of neurons in the same way that adenosine does. In contrast, caffeine actually prevents adenosine from working in slowing down the body's performance. This is why caffeine increases central nervous system stimulation and makes you feel alert.

But the workings of caffeine is only happening in a short time.

Consuming coffee in the right amount and type (two to three cups of black coffee without sugar per day), is also said to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Research has also shown that moderate consumption of caffeine can improve memory power even in the short term.

Research result

Although there are a number of benefits that coffee and caffeine provide (when consumed in the right amounts and types, without sugar and creamer or milk), there are health threats lurking for the diehard coffee lover.

New research from the University of South Australia shows that consuming too much black coffee can threaten brain health, Science Daily reports.

Research conducted by international researchers at UniSA's Australian Center for Precision Health at SAHMRI has found that high coffee consumption is associated with a smaller total brain volume and an increased risk of dementia.

The results, published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience, assessing the effects of coffee on the brain among 17,702 UK Biobank participants (ages 37-73), found that those who drank more than six cups of coffee a day had a 53 per cent increased risk of dementia.

"Taking all possible changes into account, we consistently found that higher coffee consumption was significantly associated with reduced brain volume -- essentially, drinking more than six cups of coffee a day could put you at risk for brain diseases such as dementia and stroke."

To measure disease outcomes, the researchers looked at the number of people who developed dementia or stroke over time, and analyzed this data along with coffee intake.

For the relationship between coffee consumption and brain volume, the researchers compared brain imaging with the amount of coffee participants drank each day. This aspect of the study looked at 17,702 people out of 398,646.

This study was observational, so the researchers did not make any changes to the participants' diet or lifestyle. Instead, they looked back at individuals' coffee intake and linked the amount of coffee consumed each day to their brain size, and the likelihood of developing dementia or stroke.

After adjusting the data for variables such as underlying health conditions, age, gender and body mass index, the researchers concluded that consumption of more than six cups of coffee daily was associated with smaller brain volume, and a 53% higher chance of dementia compared to one person. . to two cups daily.

Professor Elina Hypponen, senior researcher and Director of the Australian Center for Precision Medicine, said while the results of the study could be a harsh reality for coffee lovers, it is important to find a balance between what you drink and what is good for your health.

"This research provides important insights into excessive coffee consumption and brain health, but as with many things in life, moderation is key," said Prof Hypponen.

Together with other genetic evidence and randomized controlled trials, these data strongly suggest that high coffee consumption may affect brain health. Although the exact mechanism is unknown, one simple thing we can do is stay hydrated and remember to keep drinking water when we have a cup of coffee, adds Hypponen.

"Daily coffee consumption typically ranges between one and two standard cups of coffee. Of course, although unit sizes may vary, one to three cups of coffee a day is generally fine," explains Hypponen.

However, if you consume more than six cups of coffee a day, it's time to rethink whether this is best for your brain health.