One popular drink could actually reduce risk of Parkinson's and have another major health benefit
Whilst it might be a neurological disorder without a known cure, some experts believe that there might be a means of reducing your risk of ever being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
That is, by regularly drinking a particular - and already popular - beverage.
What is Parkinson's and what are its symptoms?
The condition describes a movement disorder that directly affects the nervous system, progressively damaging the brain over an elongated period of time. Despite impacting as many as 18,000 people in the UK per year, Parkinson's is often difficult for medics to diagnose.
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This is due to the vast plethora of possible indicators of the condition, with Parkinson's UK research lead Dr Beckie Port telling the press recently that there are as many as 40 'which vary from freezing and rigidity to anxiety and sleeping problems'.
According to the NHS, the common signs of Parkinson's are tremors that affect the hands and arms, slowness of movement, and general muscle stiffness.
Other symptoms are said to be more subtle, however, including balance issues, nerve pain, difficulty using the toilet, dizziness and fainting, and insomnia. Depression and anxiety, cognitive impairment and dementia are other, lesser-visible indicators of Parkinson's.
Despite being incurable, a batch of medical experts have recently alleged that there's a legitimate means of preventing ever being diagnosed with the disorder - and it's great news for coffee-drinkers.
A connection to coffee
That's right according to Nicola Shubrook - a registered nutritionist with the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) - your morning dose of caffeine has several benefits.
Speaking to Coffee Friend this week, the foodie professional alleged that, when consumed regularly in its purest form, the caffeinated drink is able to reduce the risk of ever being dealt a Parkinson's diagnosis.
"So, black with no sugars or artificial sweeteners," she specified.
"One of the interesting things about coffee that makes it unique is the components of it in this form.
More specifically, Shubrook explained that coffee assists with improving the lining of the gut, as well as the neural and non-neural components of the gut wall.
The latter is responsible for motor function and the gut-brain axis - hence the supposed association with Parkinson's disease avoidance.
According to SurreyLive, research has previously shown that gut microbes assist in the production of some chemical neurotransmitters that are used to send messages between your gut and brain.
As such, some researchers also believe there could be a possible link between regular coffee-drinking and a lowered risk of developing Alzheimer’s, too.
Discussing other possible benefits, Shubrook added: "Researchers believe coffee has hundreds of polyphenols, which can work as anti-inflammatories and antioxidants.
"Coffee can also be high in fibre, and the bitterness can be good for our livers."
Topics: Food and Drink, Life, Real Life, True Life, Health
Rhianna Benson