More Evidence: Coffee Helps Prevent Parkinson’s

If you've ever felt guilty about your coffee indulgence, there is good news.

Coffee and the GRIN2A gene might work together to help fend off Parkinson’s disease. Estimated to be present in 25% of the population, the gene and coffee consumption are associated with a lower risk of developing the ailment. Malaya.com reported that a recent study on 4000 subjects - the first to look at how genetics plays into the association of caffeinated drinks and lessened Parkinson’s risk - isolated the gene. This discovery of a critical gene helps explain why drug therapies based on caffeine didn’t work as well as projected.

For coffee lovers, it’s always exciting to discover more evidence that coffee, in moderation, is good for us. But what exactly is it about caffeine that works to keep away the debilitating effects of Parkinson’s? It involves itself in the interplay of several compounds found in the brain and body with the result that brain cells are saved from damage and destruction.

More studies are needed to further refine the understanding of the association of the gene, caffeine and fighting Parkinson’s. Researchers are designing a drug to take advantage of the new information. Until more is known, coffee lovers can continue to drink their coffee, enjoying all its pleasures guilt-free, with the knowledge that in many ways they are also doing something good for their health. Besides Parkinson’s disease, coffee has been linked to prevention of liver and colon cancer and diabetes. Because of its anti-oxidants, it should be beneficial in other ways as well. To your health!

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