Coffee in the Elderly

A cup of coffee is part of the daily habits of many people from young people to adults greater. Provides between 90 and 200 mg of caffeine, depending on the origin of the coffee and the preparation of the same. It is a food with an indisputable economic and cultural value worldwide.

NUTRITIONAL CONTRIBUTION: The caloric intake of a cup of coffee is low, because the nutrients with energetic properties are in very low proportion. Only the contribution of minerals like potassium, calcium and phosphorus.
The acids in coffee (chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid) are important antioxidants that help prevent various diseases. It is consumed by its stimulating power, mainly by caffeine and its action produces it in the central nervous system.

COFFEE EFFECTS:

• ON THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM: Stimulates, inhibits sleep, reduces fatigue, favors concentration, increasing intellectual performance, decreases reaction time and provides some euphoria and well-being. In high doses it can cause anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, tremor and palpitations.

• ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY: Various studies have shown a high content of antioxidants in coffee, with high bioavailability. The human body absorbs 33% of the chlorogenic acid and 95% of ingested caffeic acid. In addition, roasting coffee increases antioxidant activity.

• COFFEE CONSUMPTION IN THE PREVENTION OF PARKINSON AND ALZHEIMER: Various studies link the consumption of coffee (3 cups a day) and the decreased risk of suffering from diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. It seems that the best benefits are obtained with consumption of 2 cups a day approximately. According to studies, caffeine could be the responsible for this effect, since decaffeinated beverages had no effect on Parkinson's disease, or Alzheimer's disease.

• EFFECT ON THE CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM: Caffeine is a cardiac stimulant, producing an increase in muscle contraction force and cardiac output. Provokes vasodilation in the vessels (causing a slight increase in pressure), while in the cerebral blood circulation there is a decrease, which is associated with a drop in pressure, which justifies that coffee relieves headache. Excesses could generate tachycardias.

The moderate consumption of coffee (300 ml a day maximum), is related to a decrease in the mortality from cardiovascular diseases. However, consumption above 300 ml is related to an increase in mortality. A consensus is reached that the consumption of 1 cup of coffee a day is the most recommended. It is better being able to consume natural stale coffee, due to the high consumption of antioxidants, acids and minerals that it provides and in this way to be able to obtain the full benefit of coffee. However, recommends consuming it 6 hours before bedtime, since that is the time it takes for caffeine to be totally absorbed. In this way, we prevent it from altering the quality of sleep.