It seems that research continues to unearth more and more information about caffeine. Caffeine, which is found in substantial amounts in coffee and to a lesser degree in tea and dark chocolate, appears to have positive benefits beyond those which may initially spring to mind. More and more neuroprotective effects of the world's most popular psychoactive substance are indicated in a survey of new studies which should be of interest to our aging population.
Caffeine belongs to a family of central nervous system stimulants known as methylxanthines. Caffeine stimulates us, making us more focused and alert, by blocking adenosine. This prevents the brain from detecting exhaustion. Additionally, it causes a stream of adrenaline to be released which also makes us more alert. Caffeine can also enhance physical endurance by inhibiting the perception of pain in muscles and by diminishing a sense of muscle fatigue by blocking the adenosine receptors on sensory nerve endings.
Several metabolites of caffeine - paraxanthine, theobromine, theophylline - have been indicated to assist persons suffering from Parkinson's disease. The chemicals protect against the loss of the neurotransmitter, dopamine, in the region of the brain called the stratium. This, in turn, reverses the impaired motor control which is one of the hallmark symptoms of the disease. These chemicals also keep dopamine-producing neurons from deteriorating.
Regular daily consumption of at least three cups of coffee has been found to prevent cognitive decline in seniors. It also appears to preserve - perhaps even restore - working memory in those suffering from the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. It does this by inhibiting the production of beta-amyloid protein. This protein can accumulate in the brain, forming plaques that theoretically give rise to brain degeneration.
There is also some evidence that drinking five or more cups of tea and coffee per day can help to prevent the development of glioma, a type of tumor that arises in the supportive tissue of the brain. Further research indicates that a mere half cup of tea or coffee per day reduces the risk by 34 percent. The exact mechanism of how this actually works has not been determined.
Caffeine boosts mood in most people. Consuming caffeine beyond one's tolerance level, however, can cause angry outbursts, agitation, increased blood pressure, tachycardia and insomnia.
D.
This article has been adapted from Psychology Today, March/April 2011, "The Case for Caffeine", Katherine Schreiber, p. 46.
About Me
- Deborah K. Hanula
- Deborah K. Hanula has a year of Journalism training from Humber College, a Political Science degree from the University of Waterloo, and a Law degree from the University of British Columbia. In addition, she has Diplomas in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Child Psychology, and Psychotherapy and Counselling as well as a Family Life Educator and Coach Certificate and Certificates in Reflexology, Assertiveness Training, and Mindfulness Meditation. She is the author of five cookbooks, primarily concerned with gluten-free and dairy-free diets, although one pertains to chocolate. As an adult, in the past she worked primarily as a lawyer, but also as a university and college lecturer, a tutor, editor, writer, counsellor, researcher and piano teacher. She enjoys a multi-faceted approach when it comes to life, work and study, in order to keep things fresh and interesting. Check out her new book: A Murder of Crows & Other Poems (2023).
