The scientists believe that caffeine acts as antidepressant pills. And if one cup of coffee in the morning can help you wake up and cheer up, a few cups of coffee a day may have a serious effect on the mood and health.
It turns out that the women, who drink 4 or more cups of coffee a day, are 20% less susceptible to depression. But a more modest number of cups per day also acts as an antidepressant. If a woman drinks 2-3 cups of coffee daily, the risk of depression is reduced by 15%.
The study was conducted by the scientists from Harvard University, and 51.000 women volunteered to participate in it. As for men, the effect of coffee on them is comparable with the obtained data, though it has not been studied in the course of this experiment.
The basis of the scientific evidence lies in the fact that the action of caffeine is the same as that of antidepressants. It stops the production of certain hormones that accompany depression. Meanwhile, coffee gives more power for a long time, provides a sense of well-being and good spirits.
But the scientists warn that decaffeinated coffee does not give the same result.
According to the results of the new research, coffee can contribute to prevention and treatment of depressive states.
Other studies have previously confirmed that women are now 2 times more likely to suffer from depression than 40 years ago. This is attributed to the changing role of women in society, since the fair sex has to manage family and career more often.
However, the side effects of coffee consumption should be noted as well. It leads to an increase in blood pressure. For pregnant women, it is recommended to drink not more than 2 cups a day to reduce the likelihood of miscarriage or reduce the risk of having a child with a low birth weight.
Source of the image: Photl.
