Drink Just One Cup of Coffee Daily to Reduce Your Risk of This Disease

 

Consuming half a cup to one cup of coffee per day can significantly lower the risk of dementia, especially in individuals with high blood pressure.
Consuming half a cup to one cup of coffee per day can significantly lower the risk of dementia, especially in individuals with high blood pressure.(Chevanon Photography / Pexels )


Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, and its impact on health has been the subject of many studies. Recent research highlights the potential role of coffee in reducing the risk of dementia, especially for individuals with high blood pressure. On the occasion of International Coffee Day, celebrated on October 1st, this topic becomes particularly relevant as the scientific community delves into the cognitive benefits of moderate coffee consumption.


International Coffee Day is an annual celebration recognized by 77 member countries of the International Coffee Organization and various coffee associations across the globe. While many enjoy coffee for its taste and energy-boosting properties, recent research points to an additional benefit: a potential reduction in dementia risk. A study conducted by Ningxia Medical University in China and published in Scientific Reports suggests that drinking coffee or tea could decrease the chances of developing dementia.


The researchers found that individuals who consumed coffee or tea, particularly those with high blood pressure, experienced a lower risk of dementia. The study analyzed health data from over 450,000 participants in the UK Biobank, a long-term project that collects health information from volunteers. The participants were followed for an average of 15 years, with approximately half of them diagnosed with high blood pressure during the study period.


A Moderate Coffee Intake Is Key


The study revealed that coffee drinkers with high blood pressure who consumed half a cup to one cup of coffee per day were less likely to develop any form of dementia compared to those at higher risk, particularly individuals who drank six or more cups per day. Similarly, tea drinkers with high blood pressure who consumed four to five cups daily showed a lower risk of dementia compared to those who did not drink tea at all.


These findings suggest that moderation is essential when it comes to coffee and tea consumption. Too much coffee may increase the risk of certain conditions, while a modest intake appears to offer cognitive benefits.


Lead researcher Bo Wang and his team focused on individuals with high blood pressure, as hypertension is known to accelerate cognitive aging and heighten the risk of dementia. They noted, "In this study, individuals with high blood pressure had a higher likelihood of developing dementia compared to the population without hypertension." Moreover, they added, "The statistically significant link between coffee and tea consumption and reduced dementia risk was more pronounced in individuals with high blood pressure."


By managing modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, some experts estimate that dementia cases could be reduced by up to 45%. Coffee and tea, two of the world’s most popular beverages, may play a role in achieving this reduction, though the researchers emphasize that dosage is crucial to maximizing the benefits.


Ground Coffee Linked to Lower Dementia Risk


Interestingly, the study found that ground coffee, rather than decaffeinated coffee, was associated with the lowest risk of dementia. The authors explained that different types of coffee contain varying levels of caffeine, with ground coffee having the highest caffeine content, followed by instant coffee, and finally decaffeinated coffee.


Some animal studies have suggested that caffeine-containing beverages might reduce high blood pressure, lower inflammation, and help maintain the blood-brain barrier, a critical defense mechanism that protects the central nervous system from toxins and pathogens.


Both coffee and tea contain biologically active compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds are also associated with a reduced risk of heart disease and metabolic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which, in turn, may lower the risk of developing dementia later in life. As the researchers put it, "These benefits may slow the progression of vascular inflammation, blood-brain barrier leakage, and amyloid-beta deposits in the microvessels of hypertensive patients, potentially delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease."



While coffee and tea are cherished beverages worldwide, their potential cognitive benefits, especially for individuals with high blood pressure, cannot be ignored. Moderation appears to be key in reducing the risk of dementia, with studies suggesting that consuming just one cup of coffee per day or moderate amounts of tea could make a difference. As research continues, the role of these popular drinks in promoting brain health becomes an increasingly important area of study.

Summary

Association Between Coffee and Tea Consumption and Dementia Risk in Hypertensive Individuals

This study investigates the relationship between coffee and tea consumption and dementia risk among hypertensive individuals using data from the UK Biobank, involving 453,913 participants. The findings indicate a J-shaped association for coffee and a U-shaped association for tea with all-cause dementia risk. Specifically, hypertensive individuals consuming 0.5–1 cup of coffee or 4–5 cups of tea daily exhibited the lowest dementia risk. Additionally, caffeine intake showed a U-shaped relationship with all-cause dementia and vascular dementia in this population. Notably, those with hypertension had a higher incidence of dementia compared to non-hypertensive individuals, emphasizing the potential protective effects of moderate coffee and tea consumption against dementia in hypertensive patients. The study highlights the importance of dietary factors in managing dementia risk, particularly among those with hypertension..

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