An astounding 700% increase in dry Age-related Macular Degeneration from Instant Coffee
A recent study (Analyses Support Causal Relationships Between Instant Coffee and Age-Related Macular Degeneration} published by Food Science & Nutrition found that consuming instant coffee increases the risk of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by almost 700%!
Researchers analyzed data from over 500,000 participants in the United Kingdom.
What is Age-related Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration is a common eye disease and one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness. AMD can be classified into two types: wet AMD and dry AMD.
AMD affects nearly 200 million people worldwide, with the number expected to reach 290 million by 2040,
Dry AMD affects the macula, a small region in the back of the retina responsible for central vision. As the damage progresses, people may experience blurry spots, difficulty reading and, eventually, a permanent loss of vision.
Risk factors for AMD include genetics, age and lifestyle choices such as diet, exercise, smoking, and now, according to this new research, consuming instant coffee.
Lots of research points to the protective effects of coffee. Coffee is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants. The researchers note: “However, coffee consumption, especially, has been linked to an increased risk of ocular diseases. Specifically, coffee not only increases the risk of primary open-angle glaucoma but also raises the risk of age-related cataracts.”
Why Instant Coffee?
The researchers “speculate that the different effects of various types of coffee on AMD may be related to manufacturing processes, additives, and other factors.” Studies have reported that the production of instant coffee may lead to the formation of potentially harmful substances such as acrylamide and advanced glycation end products, which have been implicated in oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in retinal cells.
The researchers also note that Instant coffee is made by brewing a concentrated extract and then spray-drying or freeze-drying the liquid; this intense heat and concentration generates high levels of Maillard reaction byproducts and often involves added ingredients (e.g., sugar, creamer). Other types of coffee do not have similar additives.
Researchers conclusion
Given the complexity of treatment, slowing disease progression and timely prevention are particularly important.
The researchers concluded: “Instant coffee may increase the risk of AMD, and reducing instant coffee intake can prevent dry AMD. People at high-risk for AMD should avoid instant coffee intake.”
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