For many people, coffee is the first thought of the day. But drinking too much java can be harmful to brain health.
Those who consume more than six cups of coffee a day have a 53% higher risk of dementia than those who indulge in lesser amounts. Excess coffee consumption was also associated with smaller total brain volumes.
Those are the conclusions of Australian scientists, who studied coffee’s effects on the brain among more than 17,000 people who were middle-age and older. It’s the most extensive study of its kind addressing the connections between coffee, dementia risks and brain volume.
With more than 19 billion pounds of coffee consumed each year, researchers said the findings deliver important public health insights into the world’s most widely used stimulant.
After accounting for other influencing factors, the researchers concluded that extreme coffee consumption was significantly associated with reduced brain volume. That can put coffee fanatics at risk of stroke and dementia.
For those who just can’t wean themselves off the brown bean, the news isn’t all bad. The researchers advise striking a balance between the drink you love and what’s best for your health.
For most people, one or two cups of coffee a day is normal — and generally fine. The researchers don’t yet know the exact mechanisms that link excessive coffee consumption and brain volume. But they have this advice: Strongly consider cutting back if you’re near the six-cup mark. Alternate cups of coffee with water to help with hydration and reduce coffee cravings.
So you don’t need to say goodbye to your good friend joe. Just think about seeing a little less of each other.