How Can Coffee Be A Healthy Alternative For Seniors? 

February 9, 2022 0 Comment Category: Senior Health

 How many of you think that healthy aging means giving up your morning cup of coffee? If you counted yourself in, you need to think again. As per many senior care experts, a morning cup of coffee can help prevent many diseases like heart health issues and dementia. 

 

Caffeine And Heart Health 

Many studies and research suggest that coffee can help improve your heart health. However, the mechanism of action of coffee was not clear until recently. A study on mice offers clarity in this respect. In this study, researchers looked at heart attacks in mice and the way caffeine changed the working of the cardiovascular system. The team of researchers discovered that caffeine promoted the movement of a protein called p27 into the heart cells. This protein helped the endothelial cells of the heart to move. 

 

The study also revealed that p27 protein stimulated by caffeine prevented the death of heart cells during a heart attack. In addition, the protein encourages the differentiation of cells with contractile fiber that is very important for heart health and function. With age, our blood vessels can harden, increasing the danger of stroke or a heart attack. By supporting the healthy movement of the endothelial cells, coffee can also slow the effects of age on the cardiovascular system. 

 

Additional Health Benefits Of Coffee 

Caffeine present in coffee is an antioxidant, meaning that it can fight oxidative damage due to aging. Some of the other benefits of including coffee in your daily routine are: 

 

Improves Memory 

Studies show that caffeine may help fight age-related mild cognitive impairment. This can be favorable to you in several ways, especially as you age. Caffeine can help delay or prevent dementia disorders. The Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging And Dementia (CAIDE) study followed participants from middle age to their sixties and beyond, and found that caffeine can help lower the lifetime risk of dementia of a senior. 

 

Decrease Risk Of Stroke

Many studies have been conducted to find the effect of caffeine on stroke. A study found that a single cup of coffee per week can cut down the risks of stroke and heart failure. In addition, another study found that regular coffee drinkers had a lower overall risk of death. 

 

Reduced Cancer Risk 

A study conducted to find the effect of caffeine on cancer found that drinking four cups of coffee per day could decrease the chances of developing oral cancer. Also, coffee can offer a mood boost that can help you feel alert and motivated. 

 

Are There Any Risks To Drinking Coffee? 

As caffeine is a stimulant, it can increase activity in your central nervous system. This increase in activity can make some people anxious and nervous, especially those who are prone to anxiety. Some other risks of drinking coffee are: 

• Gastrointestinal disorders, such as coffee, can speed up digestion. The high acid content of coffee can also worsen acid reflux. 
• Dehydration, which can stress the kidneys and worsen bladder infection. 
• Increased blood pressure, which might be dangerous in people suffering from major cardiovascular conditions and high blood pressure. 

 

How To Consume Caffeine Healthily 

As per the senior care experts in assisted living and other senior living homes, about 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is safe for adults. We are talking about drinking a maximum of 4 cups daily. Seniors who take medications like Theophylline, Echinacea, and Ephedrine will be more vulnerable to the effects of caffeine, therefore they should talk to their doctors regarding potential interactions. Then, listen to your body for any changes. For some people, consuming coffee even moderately can lead to health issues, and for some others, even heavy consumption of coffee will not have any noticeable effects.