Reducing Risk of Depression One More Reason to Enjoy that Cup of Coffee

COMMENTARY | Like me, you probably already know drinking that morning cup of coffee helps get you on the road with a smile. Now a recent study is proving that it really does work. The study was led by senior author Dr. Alberto Ascherio, a professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health.

Those of us who live in the Pacific Northwest really love our coffee. It shows, with a Starbucks on nearly every corner; in some cases they can be found right across the street from one another. I have always thought part of drinking coffee was the whole experience, not just the actual sipping of a hot beverage.

Going into the coffee shop and ordering that special latte just the way you like it while watching and listening to others do the same was part of my routine for many years. Now that I work from home, it's one thing I really miss about going into an office.

The good news is that drinking coffee has an even bigger benefit than waking you up and providing that delectable, and sometimes bitter, goodness.

The study showed that women who drank two to three cups of coffee a day were 15 percent less likely to experience depression than women who only indulged in a cup or less per day. Women who consume four or more cups of coffee have a 20 percent reduction in their depression risk. Those who drink decaffeinated coffee might be disappointed, as it did not seem to have any effect on the risk of depression.

Ascherio says researchers are just beginning to build on this evidence, but he believes caffeine could have long-term effects on the risk of depression. What the researchers do know is caffeine works by binding to receptors for brain chemicals associated with mood.

That wonderful morning cup of joe has also been shown to reduce uncontrolled movement, such as the tremors that occur in patients with Parkinson's disease. Coffee has even been shown to reduce the rates of fatal prostate cancer, ward off dementia and possibly reduce your chances of Alzheimer's disease.

It is also important to note that drinking too much coffee can lead to sleeping disorders and anxiety problems, so you don't want to overindulge either. More than four cups a day is probably too much, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Isn't it nice to know that your delightful morning brew is good for you too? Just one more reason to begin the day with a smile.