Coffee can be the ideal choice for many people in the morning, as numerous studies indicate its various health benefits. However, results from a new study reveal that excessive consumption of coffee may damage brain health over time. Australian researchers found that increased coffee consumption is associated with a reduction in total brain volume and a 53% increased risk of developing dementia, as well as a 17% increased risk of stroke, according to the British "Daily Mail."
**Moderation is Key**
The new study also highlighted a significant amount of prior evidence that consuming coffee has other health benefits over time, provided it is not done excessively. Although it was not established that high coffee consumption directly causes dementia, the researchers warned against excessive intake, defined as more than six cups per day. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of South Australia in collaboration with academics from other institutions, including the Universities of Cambridge and Exeter, was published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience.
**Most Popular in the World**
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages globally. Researcher Katie Pham from the University of South Australia stated, "With global consumption exceeding nine billion kilograms annually, it is crucial to understand any potential health impacts." This study is the most comprehensive regarding the link between coffee, measurements of brain volume, and risks of dementia and stroke. It also represents the largest study to consider brain imaging data and a wide range of confounding factors. After examining all possible hypotheses, it was confirmed that high coffee consumption was significantly associated with reduced brain volume, indicating that drinking more than six cups of coffee daily increases the risk of brain diseases such as dementia and stroke.
**Two Cups Daily**
According to the recommendations from the European Food Safety Authority, no more than 400 mg of caffeine should be consumed daily, equivalent to about four to five cups at most, and the daily maximum for pregnant women should not exceed 200 mg. Researcher Professor Elena Hyppönen stated that "the usual daily coffee consumption should range from one to two standard cups," and since cup sizes can naturally vary, having two cups of coffee daily is generally acceptable.
**Alternative Drink**
Researchers recommend that individuals consuming more than six cups per day reconsider and look for an alternative beverage. Professor David Llewellyn from the University of Exeter added, "Those who drink coffee heavily may reduce their risk of dementia by cutting back on their intake, for instance, by drinking tea as an alternative to coffee, which is not associated with dementia risks according to the study's findings."
**Caffeine and Information Processing**
Earlier this year, Swiss researchers found that regular caffeine consumption reduces gray matter volume in the brain, suggesting that coffee intake could impair a person's ability to process information. The University of South Australia continues to study the effects of coffee consumption, one of Australia's favorite drinks, on human health. In February, an Australian research team revealed that long-term heavy coffee consumption, six cups or more per day, might increase fat levels in the blood, raising the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
