Scottish celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has shared details of his morning routine, and health experts suggest it may offer genuine benefits, including potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
Ramsay's Morning Routine
In an episode of WIRED's "Gordon Ramsay Answers the Web's Most Searched Questions," the chef revealed what he typically eats for breakfast and what he has after a workout. When asked "Does Gordon Ramsay drink coffee?", he replied: "I love coffee. First thing in the morning, I'll start off the day after a session in the gym, and I'll get a black coffee and a croissant. Then throughout the day, I'll have a flat white. Potentially with oat milk or skim milk."
Health Benefits of Coffee
According to John Hopkins Medicine, beyond providing an energy boost, coffee drinkers "may decrease your risk of getting Alzheimer's disease." The medical institution explains: "The caffeine in two cups of coffee may provide significant protection against developing the condition." Researchers found that women aged 65 and older who drank two to three cups of coffee a day were less likely to develop dementia in general.
The medical experts add that coffee drinkers could also be "less likely to develop Parkinson's disease." They explain: "Caffeine is not only linked to a lower chance of developing Parkinson's disease, but it may also help those with the condition better control their movements."
The benefits extend further, as there is evidence to suggest "both regular and decaf coffee seem to have a protective effect on your liver." The source adds: "Research shows that coffee drinkers are more likely to have liver enzyme levels within a healthy range than people who don't drink coffee."
Moderation and Cautions
While there are benefits to black coffee, some of which need further study, Senior Dietitian Tracy Parker from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) cautions: "Up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day, or around 4 to 5 cups of tea or coffee, is generally considered safe for most adults."
Parker warns: "You may find consuming too much caffeine at once or over the day can cause anxiety, sleeping problems and a rapid heart rate (palpitations). If you're pregnant, the NHS recommends limiting caffeine intake to 200mg a day or less." She adds: "Although having a few cups of coffee a day is not bad for your heart, adding sugar, syrups, whole milk or cream to your drink adds calories and saturated fat, which can lead to weight gain and high cholesterol levels."
