Posted by linkadge on February 21, 2015, at 7:59:17
In reply to Re: Not true - agree » linkadge, posted by stan_the_man70 on February 21, 2015, at 1:20:12
I think there is evidence that even decaf coffee provides certain health benefits. For instance, in mice decaf coffee extracts still provide some neuroprotective effects against say glutamate overload or the injection of neurotoxic substances.
In terms of overall health, I don't think any single drug or food can replicate the effects of exercise.
In terms of mental health, there has been some look into whether coffee behaves like an "antidepressant" or not. From the studies I have read, it appears works like an antidepressant in certain forms of depression but not all. It is probably an effective self medication for some mild / moderate forms of depression. For example, it does contain compounds called "beta cabolines" which can inhibit monoamine oxidase (like the antidepressants parnate or nardil) to a measurable extent.
I think the key is moderation. A quality diet plus meaningful exercise is a foundation. Medication is still likely necessary for clinical mood disorders, but there is no reason to avoid coffee (unless an individual has a negative reaction to it). And, as noted, it may in fact protect against suicide (a few studies have shown a reduced rate of suicide among coffee drinkers).
I would assume that daily coffee consumption would not be a bad thing in the elderly with memory issues. While it may not prevent dementia or Alzheimer's outright, I think there is some belief that it still provides a subtle protective / restorative effect.
As mentioned, coffee consumption has been linked to lower rates of Parkinson's. Parkinson's is often linked to memory, attention and mood issues in its own right.
As a suggestion, if you are a heavy coffee drinker, I would try to drink organic coffee since coffee tends to be a highly pesticided crop.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:1076926
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20150129/msgs/1076967.html