Further evidence that coffee could protect the brain
In a recent article, “How coffee protects the brain”, Medical News Today highlighted the potential benefits of drinking coffee on brain health.
The article referred to a study from the University of Ulster in Coleraine, which found that “coffee consumption does seem to have some correlation to a decreased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease”.
The researchers uncovered that caffeine is irrelevant in this sense as both the caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee trialled had the same effect, but instead found that it is the phenylindanes, which are more prolific in dark roasted coffee, that have a protective effect on the brain. While the researchers have confirmed that they are in no way suggesting that drinking dark roasted coffee prevents Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, what it does suggest is that phenylindanes inhibit the consolidation of the toxic proteins tau and beta-amyloid, which are proven to be a key factor in such neurodegenerative conditions.
The impact of nutrition on mental health
Further research has been conducted investigating the relationship between mental health and what we eat. In an article published by Outside Online it is suggested that the Mediterranean diet, with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, could reduce the risk of depression.
In addition to the link between mood and the Mediterranean diet, research also suggests that low levels of certain nutrients, such as folate and B12, could be linked to depression, where increasing your intake of these nutrients could have a positive effect in reducing this risk.
The article emphasises that “no single food has magical powers” but, instead, looks to shift our focus from singular foods and diets to food categories and balance.
Could intermittent fasting be good for the brain?
The article “What are the benefits of intermittent fasting?”, as published by Medical New Today suggests, of the many potential benefits of intermittent fasting, improved brain health could be one of them.
Reporting on a 2013 study, the article highlights the suppressive impact of intermittent fasting on the brain, which is linked to neurological conditions. While more research is necessary, there are several other studies that suggest that intermittent fasting could reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and stroke.
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Alison is Director and Founder of Metabolics who writes about Metabolics updates, events and natural healthcare. Her experience and passion for natural supplements and healthcare comes from her years of experience as a practising osteopath, having founded Metabolics in her search for high quality, natural products in her own work. Alison has been a qualified and practising Osteopath since 1981 and regularly gives seminars on a range of healthcare subjects to the wider practitioner community helping share her knowledge and experience.