Moderate consumption of coffee—specifically two to three 250 ml cups daily—can aid in mitigating the risks associated with stress, anxiety, and depression. This conclusion stems from research conducted by scientists at Fudan University, the findings of which appeared in the Journal of Affective Disorders (JAD).
The research team leveraged data from the UK Biobank. They monitored the health status of over 460,000 individuals over an average period of 13 years. At the study’s commencement, participants reported no existing mental health disorders, yet throughout the observation period, more than 18,000 instances of mood disturbances and stressful conditions were documented.
The lowest incidence of such disorders was observed among subjects consuming two to three 250 ml cups of coffee per day. However, the correlation proved to be non-linear: both insufficient and excessive coffee intake resulted in a decline in mental health metrics. Conversely, individuals who habitually drank five or more cups daily saw their risks escalate.
Caffeine provides a temporary mood boost by inhibiting adenosine—the neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of fatigue—and simultaneously promotes the synthesis of dopamine, which is linked to motivation and pleasure.
Furthermore, the specialists noted that the protective benefit derived from moderate coffee intake was more pronounced in male participants compared to female subjects.
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