We all love enjoying consuming hot drinks, especially in the winter months, but many may not know that one particularly popular warm beverage can 'significantly' reduce your risk of developing dementia. In a study published last year, researchers at Verona University discovered that coffee can greatly decrease your chances of developing the condition, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Experts claim that drinking as little as one espresso a day can have a positive impact on the brain's ability to fight against the creation of tau proteins, which are a key culprit in people with neurodegenerative illnesses.
The scientific research was published in the journal American Chemistry Society and states that espresso can break down these proteins and prevent the cognitive downfall that follows. According to the study, even an Espresso Martini cocktail contains the essential compounds that can assist in warding off the processes associated with dementia. For healthy people, tau proteins are crucial in balancing brain structures.
But for those with neurodegenerative illnesses, they can form harmful 'fibrils' that damage the function of the brain. Lab tests carried out as part of the study demonstrated that espresso effectively counteracts the formation of these fibrils. The research also noted a geographical angle to the findings.
The study revealed that around 96% of Italians drink espresso on a daily basis, indicating a potential dietary habit that may contribute to the lower prevalen.