Coffee is one of the most popular beverages, and its effects on stress vary. It contains caffeine, which stimulates the nervous system, helping to increase focus and attention and reduce feelings of fatigue. However, excessive consumption can lead to increased stress and anxiety, especially in people sensitive to caffeine, as it can cause a rapid heartbeat and sleep problems. Therefore, it is recommended to consume coffee in moderation to benefit from its properties without exposing yourself to its negative effects on mental health. A new study has shown that moderate coffee consumption may reduce the risk of developing stress and depression, with the 'ideal amount' ranging from two to three cups a day. According to the scientific website 'Science Alert,' the study, conducted by researchers at Fudan University in China, was based on the records of 461,000 people who were in good mental health at the start of the study. They were followed for an average of 13 years. Researchers compared the amount of coffee consumed by participants with future health diagnoses. According to the results, people who drank two to three cups of coffee a day were less likely to develop mental health problems compared to those who did not drink coffee or consumed more than three cups. At the highest level of consumption, drinking five or more cups a day was associated with an increased risk of mood disorders. The study also noted that this relationship was consistent across all types of coffee—ground, instant, and decaffeinated—and the benefits were greater for men compared to women. The researchers also pointed out that their results took into account multiple factors such as age, education, physical activity, and underlying health conditions. However, the study did not reach a conclusion about a causal link between drinking coffee and reducing stress and depression. But the researchers believe the reason may be that coffee contains a number of biologically active compounds that may have a calming and anti-inflammatory effect on brain circuits related to mood and stress. In their study, published in the 'Journal of Affective Disorders,' the researchers wrote that adding two to three cups of coffee a day could be a simple and effective solution for improving mood and reducing stress for millions of people worldwide.
