An Antidote to Aging

I recently read an article touching on the subject of coffee being the latest antidote to aging, written by Alice Park and appearing in the Time publication. Other articles are reflecting some similar details but this one delved more fully into the issue.

They are finding growing evidence that the daily jolt of java might be a health habit, because of its ability to keep heart vessels clear and lower the risk of Type 3 diabetes.  It is also known for its cancer-fighting antioxidants. Well, now coffee appears to help combat “aging”!

A new study was conducted that focused on the cells of coffee drinkers and those who were non-coffee drinkers.  It was found that the older people who consumed more caffeine tended to have lower levels of inflammation, which is a culprit behind a number of chronic diseases associated with aging that includes certain cancers, joint disorders and even Alzheimer’s.  The individuals who drank five or more cups of coffee a day showed very low levels of inflammatory factors in their blood. After studying their gene activity, the scientists found that genes linked to inflammation were less active than the same genes in people who didn’t drink as much.

Caffeine turns off the pathway to inflammation nearly altogether.  When combatting cellular aging, that’s especially beneficial because inflammation isn’t regulated as well as it is in a younger body.  In aging, something is breaking down, and we are less effective at managing this inflammation, according to Mark Davis, director of the Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection at Stanford University and one of the study’s primary authors. At that time caffeine seems to undo some of the disruption caused by aging.

The researchers believe the key will be to figure out when the inflammatory response starts to spiral out of control.  Then they may be able to get ahead of it sans coffee. They are also currently conducting another study that may help by hoping to analyze the immune systems of 1,000 people.  A reference range of inflammation at various life stages could tell people their risk of developing chronic conditions and then they might consider adding or keeping up with their coffee habit.

But, that second cup of java certainly can’t hurt now. That seems to be the number one trick to revving the embolism and getting us going in the morning. Now you can enjoy that cup (or two) of coffee without any more guilt! But please, no more than two cups. And oh, did I mention you should leave out the sugar? Try Stevia instead.

Dr Fredda Branyon