Skip to main content

Could your daily espresso turn out to be a functional food that protects your brain from Alzheimer’s disease? In a recent study published by the University of Verona, Italy (Tira et al. 2023), the authors considered whether some of the compounds found in espresso could act against the abnormal formation of tau proteins in the brain. The accumulation of these proteins is thought to play an essential role in neurodegenerative disorders such as dementia and Parkinson’s disease.

Given that there are currently no effective treatments, it’s worth investigating these and other compounds to see whether they can prevent or at least slow down the progression of these brain disorders. Who would have thought espresso could be so good for you?

What are tau proteins, and what’s all the fuss about them in the brain?

Tau is a protein in the cells of all kinds of creatures, from humans to insects. It’s predominantly found in neurons in the brain. Tau has been implicated in a number of neurodegenerative diseases (called tauopathies), including some frontotemporal dementias, repeated traumatic brain injuries, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

To understand why, we need to understand the role of tau proteins within neurons.

Nutrients and other molecules travel from one end of the neuron to the other through structures called microtubules. Tau proteins help to stabilize these structures by binding them. When these proteins undergo certain chemical changes, they detach from the microtubles and aggregate (stick to other tau proteins within the cell) to form tangles.

Over time, these tangles can block the neuron’s ability to function and communicate, leading to neuronal damage and death. These tangles can spread to other neruons and accumulate in many areas of the brain. This results in further loss of neuronal function and the manifestation of neurodegenerative diseases, including those involving memory loss.

The Espresso Study

Espressos were extracted and brewed in different concentrations using Arabica and Robusta coffee beans, and then profiled for their compounds. Once these compounds were identified, caffeine, trigonelline, and genistein were isolated. The researchers conducted various laboratory tests to investigate the behavior and impact of these compounds on tau proteins and the formation of tau fibrils into clumps.

Tests showed that some of the compounds in espresso coffee extract could decrease tau aggregation. The effects varied with the concentration of coffee used. They also showed that these compounds could interfere in the early stages of the tau formation process. It seems that caffeine and genistein were the most promising compounds, with caffeine showing a significant ability to inhibit tau aggregation.

What does this mean for you?

The authors of the paper note that moderate consumption of two to three cups of espresso per day (based on a 40 ml cup) may exert a neuroprotective effect when it comes to the formation and aggregation of tau proteins.

But before you decide to up your espresso consumption in the hopes of preventing neurodegenerative disease. You should know that this study was exploratory in nature. More research is required to understand whether and how this translates into a health benefit.

In the meantime, there’s good reason to continue enjoying that daily espresso shot!

References

Roberto Tira, Giovanna Viola, Carlo Giorgio Barracchia, Francesca Parolini, Francesca Munari, Stefano Capaldi, Michael Assfalg, and Mariapina D’Onofrio, Espresso Coffee Mitigates the Aggregation and Condensation of Alzheimer′s Associated Tau Protein, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry Article ASAP, DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c01072
Desiree Pule

Desiree Pule

Desiree Pule is a graduate in Sports Sciences and has an MBA. She has worked in the medical industry, distribution and manufacturing for many decades. She has taken her years of business experience and her passion for health and launched Alma Herbs, an online store selling only the best natural food and remedies. You can take a look at their bespoke offering: https://almaherbs.co.za/product/organic-turmeric-powder-200g/

Longevity Live is a digital publisher AND DOES NOT OFFER PERSONAL HEALTH OR MEDICAL ADVICE. IF YOU’RE FACING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY, OR VISIT THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR URGENT CARE CENTER. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE STARTING ANY NUTRITION, DIET, EXERCISE, FITNESS, MEDICAL, OR WELLNESS PROGRAM.

This content, developed through collaboration with licensed medical professionals and external contributors, including text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the website, apps, newsletter, and products (“Content”), is general in nature and for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, procedure, or treatment, whether it is a prescription medication, over-the-counter drug, vitamin, supplement, or herbal alternative.

Longevity Live makes no guarantees about the efficacy or safety of products or treatments described in any of our posts. Any information on supplements, related services and drug information contained in our posts are subject to change and are not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.

Longevity does not recommend or endorse any specific test, clinician, clinical care provider, product, procedure, opinion, service, or other information that may be mentioned on Longevity’s websites, apps, and Content.

error: Content is protected !!