Posts Tagged ‘caffeine’
Coffee the next Alzheimer’s drug?
Posted on: July 8, 2009
Researchers at the University of Florida say that regular coffee consumption may reverse memory problems associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
When testing this theory on mice, the reachers discovered that a group given caffeine tested better on “memory and thinking skill” trials than those given only water.
The BBC explained, “[T]he brains of the mice given caffeine showed nearly a 50% reduction in levels of the beta amyloid protein, which forms destructive clumps in the brains of dementia patients.”
Scientists discovered that caffeine limits production of two enzymes that form the harmful proteins. But scientists warn that there is still a great deal of research needed to study caffeine’s effects on humans before any serious claims about using the stimulant as a treatment drug can be made.
It’s no surprise that researchers are finding that caffeine reverses memory problems associated with aging. Caffeine has been a hot anti-aging ingredient in skincare for a while. In recent months, more indications of caffeine’s beneficial properties are surfacing. Caffeine-rich products, like Relastin Ultra Emollient, are becoming popular for their ability to smooth and repair skin.
Drink skin cancer away?
Posted on: March 11, 2009
Photo by Zela
Your morning coffee or tea can help reduce your risk of skin cancer, according to recent research. Caffeine increases the skin’s ability to kill off sun damaged cells before they turn cancerous (Journal of Investigative Dermatology).
A study of more than 93,000 women showed that every additional cup of coffee consumed decreased their risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer by as much as five percent (Cutaneous Biology Research Centre in Massachusettes). Although it is not advised to drink excessive amounts of coffee, scientists are using these findings to create a topical application of caffeine.
In the meantime, there’s Alba’s Kona Coffee After-Sun Lotion. This lotion has uses Kona coffee (with caffeine) to neutralize free radicals caused by sun exposure.
Maybe all this pro-caffeine talk will boost coffee and tea production revenue, which is growing by a marginal 2.6 percent this year. Just think of the marketing campaigns to come!
Marvelous Girl Has Moved! 