Drinking coffee linked to better ageing in women, new study finds
Along with the immediate sharpening many experience after drinking coffee, caffeine consumption has been found in multiple studies to enhance brain function, particularly short-term or 'working memory'.
According to an analysis published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioural Reviews, 'the scientific consensus regarding basic cognitive functions is that caffeine in doses from 32 to 300 mg enhances fundamental aspects of cognitive performance, such as attention, vigilance, and reaction time'. This is thought to be due to caffeine blocking the adenosine receptors in the brain, which temporarily heightens memory and alertness.
Coffee is also rich in polyphenols, 'a group of antioxidants and particularly chlorogenic acids (naturally occurring compounds that appear in plants such as coffee and tea) that are linked to many brain health benefits,' says Dr Emily Leeming, a nutritionist and author of Genius Gut: The Life-Changing Science of Eating for Your Second Brain.
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These polyphenols are believed to be protective against Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia. A 2023 meta-analysis published by scientists at Inje University in South Korea highlighted that for those who drank fewer than four cups a day, polyphenols 'may contribute to the prevention of neurodegeneration and cognitive decline'. Caffeine has also been shown to reduce amyloid-beta production and tau phosphorylation – key pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's.
Dr Gill Livingston, professor in psychiatry of older people at University College London, says that of the studies undertaken to date, 'the jury is still out but [caffeine] does not seem to harm you'.
2. It contains good bacteria that boost your gut health
The polyphenols in coffee also act as 'potential prebiotics for your gut microbes,' Leeming says, boosting their growth and motility, and creating favourable conditions for other good bacteria to flourish.
Research from ZOE, the nutrition app, found that coffee had the strongest food-microbiome association of 150 consumables they surveyed. Coffee drinkers had six to eight times more L. asaccharolyticus in their microbiome – a bacteria which also led to increased levels of hippurate, a key marker of metabolic and gut health.
Leeming also points out that while much has been made of the potential upsides of coffee drinking, caffeine can be deleterious for our health if consumed too late in the day. She advises drinking it no later than noon, 'as caffeine floats around in our bloodstream long after the buzz has worn off, and can lead to a lower quality of sleep, even for those who have no problem getting to sleep after an evening espresso'. Poor sleep has repeatedly been found to increase mortality risk.
There are concerns too that, as a high-caffeine diet increases the amount of calcium lost via urine, bone density could diminish if enough replacement calcium is not consumed. The Royal Osteoporosis Society advises that, 'if your calcium intake is low, or you have other risk factors for osteoporosis, aim to have no more than four cups of coffee a day'.
3. Coffee drinkers have improved heart health, studies show
A study by Queen Mary University of London and the Budapest Semmelweis University in 2022 found that up to three cups of coffee a day had a protective effect on heart health, and led to a reduction in overall mortality rate and risk of stroke. Research published in the European Heart Journal in January, meanwhile, showed that morning coffee consumption was associated with improved heart health. Compared to non-coffee drinkers, those who consumed theirs in the morning were 16 per cent less likely to die of any cause, and 31 per cent less likely to die of cardiovascular disease.
According to Tracy Parker, a senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation, 'research shows that drinking moderate amounts of caffeine – up to four or five cups of coffee a day – doesn't seem to have a negative impact on the heart and should be fine for most people.' But she warns that excessive consumption (above the recommended 400mg daily), 'can lead to temporary increases in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as side effects like palpitations, anxiety, nausea and headaches.' Leeming also adds that 'not everyone reacts well to coffee. It can cause jitters, or digestive issues in some people.'
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The Age
a day ago
- The Age
Drinking coffee linked to better ageing in women, new study finds
Along with the immediate sharpening many experience after drinking coffee, caffeine consumption has been found in multiple studies to enhance brain function, particularly short-term or 'working memory'. According to an analysis published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioural Reviews, 'the scientific consensus regarding basic cognitive functions is that caffeine in doses from 32 to 300 mg enhances fundamental aspects of cognitive performance, such as attention, vigilance, and reaction time'. This is thought to be due to caffeine blocking the adenosine receptors in the brain, which temporarily heightens memory and alertness. Coffee is also rich in polyphenols, 'a group of antioxidants and particularly chlorogenic acids (naturally occurring compounds that appear in plants such as coffee and tea) that are linked to many brain health benefits,' says Dr Emily Leeming, a nutritionist and author of Genius Gut: The Life-Changing Science of Eating for Your Second Brain. Loading These polyphenols are believed to be protective against Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia. A 2023 meta-analysis published by scientists at Inje University in South Korea highlighted that for those who drank fewer than four cups a day, polyphenols 'may contribute to the prevention of neurodegeneration and cognitive decline'. Caffeine has also been shown to reduce amyloid-beta production and tau phosphorylation – key pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's. Dr Gill Livingston, professor in psychiatry of older people at University College London, says that of the studies undertaken to date, 'the jury is still out but [caffeine] does not seem to harm you'. 2. It contains good bacteria that boost your gut health The polyphenols in coffee also act as 'potential prebiotics for your gut microbes,' Leeming says, boosting their growth and motility, and creating favourable conditions for other good bacteria to flourish. Research from ZOE, the nutrition app, found that coffee had the strongest food-microbiome association of 150 consumables they surveyed. Coffee drinkers had six to eight times more L. asaccharolyticus in their microbiome – a bacteria which also led to increased levels of hippurate, a key marker of metabolic and gut health. Leeming also points out that while much has been made of the potential upsides of coffee drinking, caffeine can be deleterious for our health if consumed too late in the day. She advises drinking it no later than noon, 'as caffeine floats around in our bloodstream long after the buzz has worn off, and can lead to a lower quality of sleep, even for those who have no problem getting to sleep after an evening espresso'. Poor sleep has repeatedly been found to increase mortality risk. There are concerns too that, as a high-caffeine diet increases the amount of calcium lost via urine, bone density could diminish if enough replacement calcium is not consumed. The Royal Osteoporosis Society advises that, 'if your calcium intake is low, or you have other risk factors for osteoporosis, aim to have no more than four cups of coffee a day'. 3. Coffee drinkers have improved heart health, studies show A study by Queen Mary University of London and the Budapest Semmelweis University in 2022 found that up to three cups of coffee a day had a protective effect on heart health, and led to a reduction in overall mortality rate and risk of stroke. Research published in the European Heart Journal in January, meanwhile, showed that morning coffee consumption was associated with improved heart health. Compared to non-coffee drinkers, those who consumed theirs in the morning were 16 per cent less likely to die of any cause, and 31 per cent less likely to die of cardiovascular disease. According to Tracy Parker, a senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation, 'research shows that drinking moderate amounts of caffeine – up to four or five cups of coffee a day – doesn't seem to have a negative impact on the heart and should be fine for most people.' But she warns that excessive consumption (above the recommended 400mg daily), 'can lead to temporary increases in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as side effects like palpitations, anxiety, nausea and headaches.' Leeming also adds that 'not everyone reacts well to coffee. It can cause jitters, or digestive issues in some people.'
Sydney Morning Herald
a day ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Drinking coffee linked to better ageing in women, new study finds
Along with the immediate sharpening many experience after drinking coffee, caffeine consumption has been found in multiple studies to enhance brain function, particularly short-term or 'working memory'. According to an analysis published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioural Reviews, 'the scientific consensus regarding basic cognitive functions is that caffeine in doses from 32 to 300 mg enhances fundamental aspects of cognitive performance, such as attention, vigilance, and reaction time'. This is thought to be due to caffeine blocking the adenosine receptors in the brain, which temporarily heightens memory and alertness. Coffee is also rich in polyphenols, 'a group of antioxidants and particularly chlorogenic acids (naturally occurring compounds that appear in plants such as coffee and tea) that are linked to many brain health benefits,' says Dr Emily Leeming, a nutritionist and author of Genius Gut: The Life-Changing Science of Eating for Your Second Brain. Loading These polyphenols are believed to be protective against Alzheimer's, the most common form of dementia. A 2023 meta-analysis published by scientists at Inje University in South Korea highlighted that for those who drank fewer than four cups a day, polyphenols 'may contribute to the prevention of neurodegeneration and cognitive decline'. Caffeine has also been shown to reduce amyloid-beta production and tau phosphorylation – key pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's. Dr Gill Livingston, professor in psychiatry of older people at University College London, says that of the studies undertaken to date, 'the jury is still out but [caffeine] does not seem to harm you'. 2. It contains good bacteria that boost your gut health The polyphenols in coffee also act as 'potential prebiotics for your gut microbes,' Leeming says, boosting their growth and motility, and creating favourable conditions for other good bacteria to flourish. Research from ZOE, the nutrition app, found that coffee had the strongest food-microbiome association of 150 consumables they surveyed. Coffee drinkers had six to eight times more L. asaccharolyticus in their microbiome – a bacteria which also led to increased levels of hippurate, a key marker of metabolic and gut health. Leeming also points out that while much has been made of the potential upsides of coffee drinking, caffeine can be deleterious for our health if consumed too late in the day. She advises drinking it no later than noon, 'as caffeine floats around in our bloodstream long after the buzz has worn off, and can lead to a lower quality of sleep, even for those who have no problem getting to sleep after an evening espresso'. Poor sleep has repeatedly been found to increase mortality risk. There are concerns too that, as a high-caffeine diet increases the amount of calcium lost via urine, bone density could diminish if enough replacement calcium is not consumed. The Royal Osteoporosis Society advises that, 'if your calcium intake is low, or you have other risk factors for osteoporosis, aim to have no more than four cups of coffee a day'. 3. Coffee drinkers have improved heart health, studies show A study by Queen Mary University of London and the Budapest Semmelweis University in 2022 found that up to three cups of coffee a day had a protective effect on heart health, and led to a reduction in overall mortality rate and risk of stroke. Research published in the European Heart Journal in January, meanwhile, showed that morning coffee consumption was associated with improved heart health. Compared to non-coffee drinkers, those who consumed theirs in the morning were 16 per cent less likely to die of any cause, and 31 per cent less likely to die of cardiovascular disease. According to Tracy Parker, a senior dietitian at the British Heart Foundation, 'research shows that drinking moderate amounts of caffeine – up to four or five cups of coffee a day – doesn't seem to have a negative impact on the heart and should be fine for most people.' But she warns that excessive consumption (above the recommended 400mg daily), 'can lead to temporary increases in blood pressure and heart rate, as well as side effects like palpitations, anxiety, nausea and headaches.' Leeming also adds that 'not everyone reacts well to coffee. It can cause jitters, or digestive issues in some people.'
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- The Advertiser
Lake Mac Choir lend their voices to honour the memory of Zoe Wright
Singing was Zoe Wright's happy place. Over the past year, the Lake Mac Choir was somewhere Zoe could meet with friends and momentarily put her mental health struggles aside and enjoy the beauty of sharing music with like-minded people. Sadly, on May 14, the Lake Macquarie Marine Rescue volunteer lost her battle with depression. She was 50. Her friends at the Lake Mac Choir are using their voices on Wednesday to ensure that Zoe is not forgotten. Lake Mac Choir is dedicating their performances at 10am and 6pm at the Caves Beach Bar and Bungalows to Zoe's memory and are raising money for Lifeline. The performance will include a special arrangement of Somewhere Over The Rainbow, a song requested by Zoe for her funeral on May 26. Zoe's husband and Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie unit commander, Jim Wright, said his wife would be touched by the dedication. "She loved going to the choir," Mr Wright said. "It made her happy and she enjoyed the people that were there. "She'd look forward to it every week when it was on. She was a little annoyed when they had to stop for holidays." Shay Perry, the director of Lake Macquarie tuition school Sunny Music Studios, launched Lake Mac Choir in February 2024 and Zoe was among the inaugural members. Ms Perry said the goal of the choir was to make "music super accessible" to people who otherwise thought their "time had passed with music." The choir has performed everything from rock classics like Dreams by Fleetwood Mac and Crowded House's Don't Dream It's Over to modern pop songs by Billie Eilish. "Zoe stopped coming for a few weeks and I knew she had struggled a bit and it was pretty normal for her to have a few weeks off and then come back and be as happy as ever," Ms Perry said. Members of the Lake Mac Choir missed Zoe's funeral, so Ms Perry said it was an opportunity for the group to pay their respects. "I've always said that music is not prejudiced and has the ability to connect people who otherwise might not have connected," she said. "When you add in singing, we're all doing something that we love and have in common. "Take away singing, and this is a group of my favourite people now. It's extraordinary the way the community comes together." Earlier this week, the CEO of Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network, Bradley Dunn, described the mental health statistics in the Hunter as "alarming." More than 480 people died by suicide in the Hunter between 2019 and 2023, according to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data. There were also more than 21,000 presentations to Hunter New England emergency departments for mental health issues in 2023-24, the third-highest per capita among NSW's 14 health districts. Singing was Zoe Wright's happy place. Over the past year, the Lake Mac Choir was somewhere Zoe could meet with friends and momentarily put her mental health struggles aside and enjoy the beauty of sharing music with like-minded people. Sadly, on May 14, the Lake Macquarie Marine Rescue volunteer lost her battle with depression. She was 50. Her friends at the Lake Mac Choir are using their voices on Wednesday to ensure that Zoe is not forgotten. Lake Mac Choir is dedicating their performances at 10am and 6pm at the Caves Beach Bar and Bungalows to Zoe's memory and are raising money for Lifeline. The performance will include a special arrangement of Somewhere Over The Rainbow, a song requested by Zoe for her funeral on May 26. Zoe's husband and Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie unit commander, Jim Wright, said his wife would be touched by the dedication. "She loved going to the choir," Mr Wright said. "It made her happy and she enjoyed the people that were there. "She'd look forward to it every week when it was on. She was a little annoyed when they had to stop for holidays." Shay Perry, the director of Lake Macquarie tuition school Sunny Music Studios, launched Lake Mac Choir in February 2024 and Zoe was among the inaugural members. Ms Perry said the goal of the choir was to make "music super accessible" to people who otherwise thought their "time had passed with music." The choir has performed everything from rock classics like Dreams by Fleetwood Mac and Crowded House's Don't Dream It's Over to modern pop songs by Billie Eilish. "Zoe stopped coming for a few weeks and I knew she had struggled a bit and it was pretty normal for her to have a few weeks off and then come back and be as happy as ever," Ms Perry said. Members of the Lake Mac Choir missed Zoe's funeral, so Ms Perry said it was an opportunity for the group to pay their respects. "I've always said that music is not prejudiced and has the ability to connect people who otherwise might not have connected," she said. "When you add in singing, we're all doing something that we love and have in common. "Take away singing, and this is a group of my favourite people now. It's extraordinary the way the community comes together." Earlier this week, the CEO of Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network, Bradley Dunn, described the mental health statistics in the Hunter as "alarming." More than 480 people died by suicide in the Hunter between 2019 and 2023, according to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data. There were also more than 21,000 presentations to Hunter New England emergency departments for mental health issues in 2023-24, the third-highest per capita among NSW's 14 health districts. Singing was Zoe Wright's happy place. Over the past year, the Lake Mac Choir was somewhere Zoe could meet with friends and momentarily put her mental health struggles aside and enjoy the beauty of sharing music with like-minded people. Sadly, on May 14, the Lake Macquarie Marine Rescue volunteer lost her battle with depression. She was 50. Her friends at the Lake Mac Choir are using their voices on Wednesday to ensure that Zoe is not forgotten. Lake Mac Choir is dedicating their performances at 10am and 6pm at the Caves Beach Bar and Bungalows to Zoe's memory and are raising money for Lifeline. The performance will include a special arrangement of Somewhere Over The Rainbow, a song requested by Zoe for her funeral on May 26. Zoe's husband and Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie unit commander, Jim Wright, said his wife would be touched by the dedication. "She loved going to the choir," Mr Wright said. "It made her happy and she enjoyed the people that were there. "She'd look forward to it every week when it was on. She was a little annoyed when they had to stop for holidays." Shay Perry, the director of Lake Macquarie tuition school Sunny Music Studios, launched Lake Mac Choir in February 2024 and Zoe was among the inaugural members. Ms Perry said the goal of the choir was to make "music super accessible" to people who otherwise thought their "time had passed with music." The choir has performed everything from rock classics like Dreams by Fleetwood Mac and Crowded House's Don't Dream It's Over to modern pop songs by Billie Eilish. "Zoe stopped coming for a few weeks and I knew she had struggled a bit and it was pretty normal for her to have a few weeks off and then come back and be as happy as ever," Ms Perry said. Members of the Lake Mac Choir missed Zoe's funeral, so Ms Perry said it was an opportunity for the group to pay their respects. "I've always said that music is not prejudiced and has the ability to connect people who otherwise might not have connected," she said. "When you add in singing, we're all doing something that we love and have in common. "Take away singing, and this is a group of my favourite people now. It's extraordinary the way the community comes together." Earlier this week, the CEO of Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network, Bradley Dunn, described the mental health statistics in the Hunter as "alarming." More than 480 people died by suicide in the Hunter between 2019 and 2023, according to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data. There were also more than 21,000 presentations to Hunter New England emergency departments for mental health issues in 2023-24, the third-highest per capita among NSW's 14 health districts. Singing was Zoe Wright's happy place. Over the past year, the Lake Mac Choir was somewhere Zoe could meet with friends and momentarily put her mental health struggles aside and enjoy the beauty of sharing music with like-minded people. Sadly, on May 14, the Lake Macquarie Marine Rescue volunteer lost her battle with depression. She was 50. Her friends at the Lake Mac Choir are using their voices on Wednesday to ensure that Zoe is not forgotten. Lake Mac Choir is dedicating their performances at 10am and 6pm at the Caves Beach Bar and Bungalows to Zoe's memory and are raising money for Lifeline. The performance will include a special arrangement of Somewhere Over The Rainbow, a song requested by Zoe for her funeral on May 26. Zoe's husband and Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie unit commander, Jim Wright, said his wife would be touched by the dedication. "She loved going to the choir," Mr Wright said. "It made her happy and she enjoyed the people that were there. "She'd look forward to it every week when it was on. She was a little annoyed when they had to stop for holidays." Shay Perry, the director of Lake Macquarie tuition school Sunny Music Studios, launched Lake Mac Choir in February 2024 and Zoe was among the inaugural members. Ms Perry said the goal of the choir was to make "music super accessible" to people who otherwise thought their "time had passed with music." The choir has performed everything from rock classics like Dreams by Fleetwood Mac and Crowded House's Don't Dream It's Over to modern pop songs by Billie Eilish. "Zoe stopped coming for a few weeks and I knew she had struggled a bit and it was pretty normal for her to have a few weeks off and then come back and be as happy as ever," Ms Perry said. Members of the Lake Mac Choir missed Zoe's funeral, so Ms Perry said it was an opportunity for the group to pay their respects. "I've always said that music is not prejudiced and has the ability to connect people who otherwise might not have connected," she said. "When you add in singing, we're all doing something that we love and have in common. "Take away singing, and this is a group of my favourite people now. It's extraordinary the way the community comes together." Earlier this week, the CEO of Lake Macquarie and Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network, Bradley Dunn, described the mental health statistics in the Hunter as "alarming." More than 480 people died by suicide in the Hunter between 2019 and 2023, according to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data. There were also more than 21,000 presentations to Hunter New England emergency departments for mental health issues in 2023-24, the third-highest per capita among NSW's 14 health districts.
