Excessive coffee consumption in individuals over 60 years old affects cognitive health.

A recent study has brought to the forefront of the debate the coffee consumption in people over 60 years old, suggesting that excessive intake could have a negative impact on their cognitive abilities. The study, conducted by Helsingin Sanomat, included 8,451 participants over the age of 60 enrolled in the UK Biobank, where a concerning trend was observed among those consuming more than three cups of coffee per day. The findings revealed that older adults who exceed their coffee consumption show significant impairment in their flexible intelligence, a key skill for adapting to new situations and solving problems. In contrast, those who maintained a moderate coffee intake exhibited a noticeably lesser decline in this mental capacity. This result underscores the importance of balancing the pleasure of enjoying a cup of coffee with the potential repercussions on cognitive health. Researcher Kelsey R. Sewell from the Advent Health Research Institute emphasized that while coffee can be beneficial in moderate amounts, "excess is bad." This statement resonates with a common understanding in the scientific community regarding moderation in any dietary habit. However, it is important to note that this research is observational, meaning further studies will be required to confirm these results and better understand the relationship between coffee consumption and cognitive health in older adults. At the same time, it is crucial to recognize the benefits of coffee when consumed appropriately. According to the website La Tienda del Café, black coffee without sugar can offer numerous health benefits, such as an increase in metabolism and an improvement in physical performance. However, consuming coffee with sugar may counteract these positive effects and instead contribute to other health issues. Caffeine, the main active component of coffee, is not stored in the body and is eliminated through urine several hours after consumption. This raises the question of how many cups of coffee are safe and beneficial. Specialists suggest that the limit would be between 3 and 5 cups daily, provided that caffeine intake does not exceed 400 mg. This serves as a reminder that, as with everything, moderation is key to enjoying the benefits of coffee without jeopardizing health. The choice between hot or cold coffee is also a topic of debate. From a nutritional standpoint, hot coffee seems to have a slight advantage, as it better retains the bioactive compounds and polyphenols that offer health benefits. However, cold coffee does not completely lose its properties, which means that consumers can choose their preference without sacrificing all the benefits. Myths about cold coffee have emerged, including the belief that it contains more caffeine than hot coffee. However, this myth has been debunked by experts, who explain that caffeine content is more related to the type of coffee and the brewing method than to the temperature at which the beverage is consumed. In summary, coffee remains one of the most popular beverages in the world, and its consumption can have both positive and negative effects, especially in the older population. The key appears to be moderation and the choice of quality of the product consumed. As research on this topic continues, it is essential for older adults and their caregivers to be informed about the best practices for enjoying coffee safely and healthily.