Another day another coffee study

New research suggests that coffee can protect your brain — and roast matters.

A new study out of the Krembil Brain Institute, part of the Krembil Research Institute, suggests there could be more to that morning buzz than a boost in energy and attention. Drinking coffee may also protect you against developing both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Canadian researchers from the Krembil Brain Institute in Toronto tested Starbucks VIA Instant light roast, dark roast and decaffeinated dark roast for compounds known as phenylindanes. That’s because they think the compounds, which are the result of the roasting process, are the key to brain health — not necessarily the amount of caffeine (so no need to sip on 5 espressos).

What Are Phenylindanes?

The coffee roasting process naturally produces higher quantities of phenylindanes. Phenylindanes, a unique compound/substance naturally present in coffee, are found at higher levels in dark coffee, so darker roasts offer greater protection.

Phenylindanes prevent two protein fragments common in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, according to the study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience last month.

“It’s the first time anybody’s investigated how phenylindanes interact with the proteins that are responsible for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s,” Ross Mancini, a research fellow involved in the study, said in a statement.

Dark roast coffee yields the highest quantities of phenylindanes, seemingly making it the best pick for brain health.

Tips to Prevent Alzheimer´s and Parkinson´s Disease

Along with drinking dark roast coffee, Harvard recommends the following tips to prevent neurodegenerative diseases.

1. Exercise: physical exercise helps prevent the development of Alzheimer’s or slow the progression in people who have symptoms, a minimum of 30 minutes can make a huge difference in your health.

2. Eat a Mediterranean diet: This diet has been found beneficial for the patient’s brain health. The diet includes fresh vegetables and fruits; whole grains; olive oil; nuts; legumes; fish; moderate amounts of poultry, eggs, and dairy; moderate amounts of red wine; and red meat only occasionally.

3. Get enough sleep: According to different studies lack of sleep can be a trigger for different brain conditions. Sleeping a minimum of 7 hours ensures your proper rest as well as better brain functioning.

4. Get together: Hanging out with friends and spending time with your family reduces the risk of suffering dementia and prevents cognitive impairment along with improving your mood, lowering your stress levels and strengthening your network.

Stem cell therapy has been found greatly beneficial for patients with neuro-degenerative conditions due to stem cells capability to restore or repair damaged cells, tissue, and injuries. Find out all about it here.

At Rehealth, we believe that having informed patients is the only way to deliver optimal healthcare. Visit our website to find out more interesting content and be a part of an amazing health integrated community!
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Sources:
https://blog.bulletproof.com/dark-roast-coffee-brain-study/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/alzheimers-and-dementia/what-can-you-do-to-avoid-alzheimers-disease
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-happens-brain-alzheimers-disease

Michelle Ibarra

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