Have you noticed that it’s hard to get from one street corner to the next without passing a Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts? That’s because millions of people like myself look forward to starting each day with coffee. But besides giving you that extra pep to kick-start your day, there are a number of mental health benefits associated with coffee consumption. Here are four to ponder while your next cup brews.
Prevent Parkinson’s Disease
Did you know that your morning pick-me-up could help prevent the development of Parkinson’s Disease? There’s currently no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, the progressive neurological disorder characterized by muscular weakness, tremors, and loss of coordination. But current research conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health reveals that coffee drinkers may be up to 50% less likely to develop the disease. The exact reason for the correlation remains unclear, but one theory is that the increased production of dopamine attributed to coffee may slow the disease’s progression.
Ward Off Alzheimer’s Disease
You are probably already aware of the positive short term mental benefits of coffee, but it turns out that its effects may be far longer lasting than initially thought. Scientists from the University of South Florida maintain that “moderate daily consumption of caffeinated coffee is the best current option for long-term protection against Alzheimer’s memory loss.” People who enjoy doing the crossword with their morning brew may fare even better: The increased brain activity associated with cognitive tasks may further contribute to the prevention of Alzheimer’s.
Fight Depression
People have enjoyed the immediate mental enhancing effects of coffee for centuries, but only recently have scientists begun to analyze its long-term effect on mood. One recent study tracked thousands of women over a period of decades, and observed whether coffee consumption had any effect on their long term mental states. Coffee drinkers, rejoice: Women who drank the most coffee were substantially less likely to be diagnosed with depression. Other caffeinated beverages, such as tea and soft drinks, did not demonstrate the same correlation.
Increased Concentration
Many people rely on the “pep” that coffee provides. But the caffeine and antioxidants found in coffee are also linked to increased mental performance and concentration. Brain scans reveal that caffeinated coffee increases activation in the parts of the brain responsible for memory, attention, and planning. It’s no wonder that Americans consume up to 400 million cups of coffee each day! Too much caffeine, however, can cause nervousness, jitters, and insomnia, so as with most things, moderation is key.