The list of benefits of coffee is getting longer, a group of researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine (USA) has just published an investigation that adds to the advantages of this drink that seems to protect the health of the kidneys, reducing the risk of developing acute kidney injury.
This great benefit could be obtained with just one cup of coffee a day, something that many need to get through the day. The research, published in the journal Kidney International Reports, has found that any amount of coffee reduces the risk of acute kidney injury by 15%, although the greatest reduction, between 22% and 23% less, was observed in the consumption of between two and three cups, all compared to those who did not drink this drink.
The study is based on data from 14,207 adults with an average age of 54, who were followed for 24 years and were interviewed seven times during that time to find out how much coffee they drank per day. During that nearly quarter century, a total of 1,694 cases of acute kidney injury were recorded among the participants.
The benefits could be due to the caffeine in coffee
“We already know that drinking coffee regularly has been associated with the prevention of chronic and degenerative diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and liver disease. We can now add a possible reduction in the risk of acute kidney injury to the growing list of health benefits of caffeine,” said Chirag Parikh, lead author of the study.
“Caffeine inhibits the production of molecules that cause chemical imbalances and the use of too much oxygen in the kidneys”
Acute kidney injury is damage or failure of the kidneys that occurs over a few hours or a few days, and its symptoms include swelling in the legs, ankles, and around the eyes, little urine, confusion, shortness of breath, nausea, and headache. chest, in the most severe cases seizures or even coma may occur.
The researchers believe that this association found in their work could be due to the effects caused by biologically active compounds added to caffeine, or simply the latter substance. As they explain, caffeine could improve the entry and utilization of oxygen within the kidneys.
“Good kidney function and tolerance to acute kidney injury depend on a constant supply of blood and oxygen. It has been postulated that caffeine inhibits the production of molecules that cause chemical imbalances and the use of too much oxygen in the kidneys. Perhaps the caffeine helps the kidneys maintain a more stable system,” says Parikh.
In addition, they believe that the additives that are added to coffee, such as milk, cream, sweeteners or sugar could interfere with the risks of presenting acute kidney injury, so they think that it is necessary to continue investigating the effects of coffee and other caffeinated beverages – such as tea or soft drinks – to learn more about the subject and avoid confusion.
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