This entry was posted 11 years, 8 months ago.
September 30, 2011
Coffee is a bit controversial beverage, but there are a lot of facts and info known about obvious health benefits of coffee. Coffee helps us feel fresher and more energetic in the morning. It assists in neutralizing the activities of free radicals and slowing down aging processes in our body. It can lower the risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as certain types of cancer. Many studies have shown that coffee is very good for our health. However, in order to enjoy these health benefits of coffee, you should consume it in moderate amounts: no more than 2 cups a day.
Now, a group of scientists at Harvard School of Public Health in the US published the findings of their new study showing that drinking 2 or 3 cups of this beverage on an everyday basis can help lower risks of depression for about 15 per cent, The Telegraph reports. The academics underline that the study did not find any direct connection between caffeine consumption and lowered risks of depression. Though they are talking about such phenomenon as “dose-dependent response”. In other words, moderate amounts of coffee can be effective for lowering depression risks.
During the experiments and studies, Michael Lucas and his associates monitored the eating habits and nutrition patterns of over 65,000 women for about 10 years. In the end of the research, it turned out that those participants who used to consume about 3 cups of coffee a day had way less occurrence of psychological problems or disorders. In particular, consuming 550 mg caffeine a day (that is approximately equivalent to 4 cups of coffee) had almost 20 per cent lowered depression risks compared to those who barely consumed any coffee during the day.
Commenting on this observational study, the researchers note that “cases of depression decreased in a dose-dependent manner with increasing consumption of caffeinated coffee“. At that, the scientists are convinced that it actually does not matter what the sources of caffeine are. At the same time, the experts underline the necessity of further studies in order to establish stronger connections between caffeine or coffee consumption and lowered depression risks. Those who are interested in health benefits of coffee and want to know more about the findings of this newly published study can check out the latest issue of the journal Archives of Internal Medicine.
Author Info: Hi! My name is Carla and I am a 5th year medical student at HYMS. I am interested in alternative medicine and I have done months researching the topic of herbal medicine. Besides, I like interviewing people and learning more about their experiences with one or another type of herbal treatments. I am willing to contribute to this site with my knowledge, and I would be happy to help you out to the best of my ability with any specific questions or problems related to alternative medicine.
October 1st, 2011 at 8:23 am
It’s easy to explain why coffee can help us for depression. It is a great stimulant, and a pleasant beverage for most people.
But for me, there’s no better remedy for depression than a cup of warm green tea 🙂 🙂
October 4th, 2011 at 3:21 pm
I can’t live a day without coffee, it makes my mind work and body move }:^)
Great writing, thanks CARLA
October 6th, 2011 at 7:49 pm
I like coffee, I drink it every morning and consider it very health to have 2 or 3 cups a day. Though my wife does not share my opinion and dose not drink coffee as it makes her sleepless at night.
But I am glad that studies prove how useful coffee is.