Coffee

Coffee and tea contain caffeine as well as substances with antioxidant properties. Of course, there are choices of decaffeinated coffee or tea, however even these products may contain trace elements of caffeine. 

Studies in cell culture and animal studies have demonstrated that the substances within coffee and tea (both caffeine and antioxidants) may protect your neurons. When studied in actual humans the studies tended to have mixed results. Some studies have shown no benefits, while others have demonstrated a potential to help with Parkinson’s disease. There is a study that demonstrated improved motor and non-motor scores during the first four years of follow up from the initial diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. In addition, there is some support that short term cognition may be increased with both coffee and tea. 

Coffee alone may have possible benefits including processing sugar better (decreasing the odds of the development of type II diabetes), warding off heart failure, and decreasing the odds of developing colon cancer. 

There are possible side effects of drinking too much coffee including jitteriness, rapid heart beat, anxiety and increase in blood pressure. It may also impair sleep, as it is best to drink coffee earlier in the day and not later in the day. Be careful not to drink your coffee too hot as this may increase the risk of esophageal cancer, as the WHO has raised concerns about coffee above 149 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The key is to drink coffee in moderation and not to drink coffee or tea at very high temperatures. In addition, 2keep in mind when adding sugar or cream, this can add calories and elevate sugar levels.  Larger clinical studies need to be performed before making any recommendations on stopping or drinking coffee or tea, but for now there may be benefits to drinking coffee/tea in moderation. 

References:

1.     https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/nutrition-and-parkinsons-disease-part-two/

2.     https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/9-reasons-why-the-right-amount-of-coffee-is-good-for-you. Accessed on July 1, 2020

3.     https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-latest-scoop-on-the-health-benefits-of-coffee-2017092512429. Accessed on July 1, 2020