Espresso is a popular drink in many parts of the world, and it’s not just for the caffeine hit or the taste – new research suggests it could lower your risk of Alzheimer’s
Whether you’re sipping an espresso for a quick energy kick or simply savouring its unique taste, this popular beverage could do more than just perk you up.
It might also help reduce your risk of dementia, according to research. A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry suggests that coffee, particularly espresso, could significantly lower the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers found that even one daily espresso could make a difference.
The science behind it? Coffee appears to combat the formation of tau proteins, which are known to accumulate in the brains of those with neurodegenerative diseases. The compounds in espresso actively break down these tau proteins, helping to prevent the damage they cause to neurons and the resulting cognitive decline.
Interestingly, even trendy Espresso Martini cocktails could offer some brain benefits. Despite their alcohol content, these drinks still contain the beneficial compounds found in espresso that can help ward off dementia-related processes, reports the Express.
While tau proteins are crucial for stabilising brain structures in healthy individuals, those suffering from neurodegenerative diseases often see these proteins clump together into harmful ‘fibrils’. These disrupt neural function and lead to the cognitive impairments typically associated with dementia.
Espresso might just be the brain-boosting beverage we’ve all been looking for, according to a new study. Researchers have found that coffee can effectively combat the formation of harmful brain fibrils associated with dementia.
Interestingly, the study also highlights a potential link between Italy’s love affair with espresso and the country’s lower rates of dementia, noting that a whopping 96 percent of Italians indulge in this potent brew daily. Delving into the science behind the perfect shot, the team used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to analyse the chemical makeup of espressos made from off-the-shelf beans.
Professor Mariapina D’Onofrio, one of the researchers, remarked: “Whether enjoyed on its own or mixed into a latte, Americano or even a martini, espresso provides an ultra-concentrated jolt of caffeine to coffee lovers.”
She added: “But it might do more than just wake you up. Espresso compounds can inhibit tau protein aggregation – a process that is believed to be involved in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.”
For those keen on crafting their own espresso, the secret lies in grinding about 20 grams of coffee beans as finely as possible to maximize the surface area during brewing, thus enhancing the extraction yield – the amount of coffee that ends up in your cup.
To make the shot, you need to force hot water through finely ground coffee beans, creating a concentrated extract. This extract is often used as the base for other drinks, like the well-loved Espresso Martini.
Besides lowering the risk of dementia, the research team found that regular espresso drinking has been associated with a reduced chance of early death. Moreover, recent studies suggest that this popular beverage could offer benefits beyond brain health when consumed in moderation.
Importantly, most of coffee’s health benefits are due to its antioxidant and plant chemical content. This potent combination could reduce inflammation, potentially protecting you from conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, liver diseases, and certain types of cancer.
