Body&More @ Auburn Pub

Posted on: June 15, 2009

Buzz Worthy

Caffeine doesnï¿½t just get your mind moving in the morning ï¿½ it just may provide positive brain benefits long term

By Bev Bennett
CTW Features

Looking for high octane for your brain?

Tap into caffeine, say health experts.

You know how that first cup of coffee in the morning seems to dissolve the cobwebs in your mind? Caffeine also may protect your brain against the ravages of Alzheimerï¿½s disease as you age, according to science experts.

So far most of the positive caffeine research is either based on coffee-consuming populations or from animal studies. (Coffee has its downsides, especially for some populations: see sidebar.)

For example, one study of 1,400 adults over two decades found that those who drank the most coffee during middle age had a lower risk of dementia in their senior years.

Although the protective mechanism hasnï¿½t been pinpointed, there are some theories.

ï¿½Caffeine is a stimulant of the central nervous system. Thereï¿½s a neuroprotective effect of caffeine,ï¿½ says James R. Couglin, Ph.D., a spokesman for the Institute of Food Technologists.

Caffeine suppresses enzymes that affect the progression of Alzheimerï¿½s disease, according to Gary W. Arendash, research professor at the University of South Florida, Tampa.

Given the positive outcomes of preliminary studies, hereï¿½s what you should know about caffeine and health.

Any form of caffeine may provide brain benefits.

In his original studies, Arendash used caffeine mixed in water.

ï¿½The source was inconsequential,ï¿½ he says.

However, coffee may provide additional advantages.

To get caffeineï¿½s protective effects, Arendash recommends consuming 400 to 600 milligrams of caffeine a day, the amount available in five cups of drip coffee. You couldnï¿½t get the same quantity of caffeine by consuming a reasonable amount of cola beverage or chocolate.

In addition, coffee is rich in antioxidants.

ï¿½There are positive effects from caffeine, but when you consume caffeine in coffee, youï¿½re getting the No. 1 source of antioxidants in the human body,ï¿½ says Coughlin, an independent consultant on food toxicology in Southern California.

ï¿½Youï¿½re getting way more antioxidants than in red wine or chocolate,ï¿½ he says.

The roasting process itself almost doubles the antioxidant content of coffee, says the consultant.

Coffee also may contain yet unidentified components that help brain health.

ï¿½We believe itï¿½s the case based on our animal studies,ï¿½ says Arendash.

Although the USF professor is very excited about caffeine and how it affects the Alzheimer disease process, heï¿½s cautious.

ï¿½Itï¿½s working well in Alzheimerï¿½s mice but needs testing in humans,ï¿½ Arendash says

If you lose sleep over coffee, youï¿½re not alone.

Some people can drink full-caffeine coffee after dinner and hit the pillow at 10 p.m.; others are tossing and turning.

Whether caffeine interrupts your sleep you body may metabolize caffeine slowly, according to Gary W. Arendash, research professor at the University of South Florida, Tampa.

Most people have an enzyme that enables their bodies to metabolize caffeine quickly ï¿½ in less than four hours. In others, the enzyme is less active so their bodies break down caffeine more slowly, Arendash says.

You probably know which you are from your reaction to caffeine. If you experience jitteriness, irregular heart rhythms, irritability or sleeplessness from caffeine cut back.

Infants canï¿½t handle caffeine; if youï¿½re pregnant or nursing, limit your caffeine consumption. Children should be drinking low-fat dairy products or water; not caffeinated beverages, say health experts.

Bev Bennett, a veteran food writer and editor, is the author of "Dinner for Two: A Cookbook for Couples" and "30-Minute Meals for Dummies"