Although caffeinated drinks are well known for their property of central nervous system stimulation, yet there have been very few studies to establish a link between coffee consumption and the risk of depression. A recent study published in the journal “Archives of Internal Medicine”, found out that increased consumption of coffee by women is associated with a reduction in the risk of depression.
The study, led by Alberto Ascherio of Harvard School of Public Health studied the coffee consuming habits of more than 50,000 women with an average age of 63 years, who were free from symptoms of depression at baseline (in 1996). They were asked to fill up a questionnaire relating to their coffee habits. The questionnaire covered duration from May 1, 1980 to April 1, 2004. The researchers incorporated a two year latency period between when they measured caffeine consumption and their assessment for depression. It was found that coffee consumption of more than four cups per day is associated with a 20 percent less chance of developing depression. Apart from coffee, these results were found to be applicable for all drinks and chocolates which contain caffeine.
Almost 80 percent of caffeine consumption around the world is in the form of coffee. A cup of coffee can instantly boost your spirits and rejuvenate you. It is still not very clear as to how caffeine protects against depression. In animals, it has been found to protect the brain from certain neurotoxins. In humans, it has been noticed that an important part of the brain known as basal ganglia, which is involved in both depression as well as Parkinson’s disease, is rich in receptors for caffeine. According to Dr. Ascherio, chronic stimulation of these receptors in a low dose makes them more efficient. However, further studies are required to fully comprehend the exact mechanism by which coffee protects against depression.
References:
- http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/171/17/1571
- http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/27/us-coffee-depression-idUSTRE78Q3GK20110927
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