Since the last topic about drinks was so popular among some of my friends (which makes most of the readership of this blog anyway), now I continue with something I read today at the BBC’s website. Researchers at the University of North Dakota have found that caffeine can act as a blood flood barrier and thus protect the brain from some of the harmful elements that are present in the bloodstream (not all of it made of oxygen, immune cells and other desirable things). The research, tested on rabbits and published at the Journal of Neuroinflammation, suggests that one cup of coffee a day (or its equivalent in terms of caffeine) might help to prevent Alzheimer. And if it is good enough for a rabbit, then it is good enough for me!
Now, if you excuse me, I am off to get an espresso.
UPDATE: Seems that neither beer nor water are that good for you. I am off for another ristretto.
David,
Music to my ears!
I need to know the upper limit. Because, despite two pints of coffee a day, and the occasional ‘Red Bull’, I am still detecting a gradual decline in memory performance.
Hi Lee,
I agree with you. Some times my five espressos a day are not enough. I think that with volunteers like you and I they can save money on rabbits :)
I believe that cognitive decline is inevitable and sets in in earnest when one passes the age of 40. Being well over 40, I can’t remember where I read this (it might even have been in Nature).
A pessimistic though indeed! In any case caffeine seems to be about preventing too much cholesterol harming the brain (which could lead to Alzheimer), and not that much about reinforcing one’s cognitive power. Let’s all drink to the health of Dr. Caffeine (even those of you more keen on Coca Cola or Pepsi are welcome!).
What about Dr. Pepper?
Damnit, shouldn’t have said that. I want one now.