Coffee culture – the health benefits and risks of coffee

#instantcoffee #heartdisease #dementia #type2diabetes #health Coffee is a drink that provides energy and it has its plus and minus. Studies keep getting published about health benefits as well as risks surrounding this drink. While one school of thought reveals the positives of drinking coffee, another study would point out the grave dangers associated with drinking coffee.
This has been reported in dailymail.co.uk dated 10 March 2015.
While one study links coffee with reduced risk of heart attacks, it protects against dementia, type 2 diabetes and even skin cancer. Coffee is also seen as a culprit for anxiety, heartburn and making menopausal hot flushes worse. These are usually attributed to to the caffeine found naturally in coffee beans.
But, it must be remembered that coffee also contains a range of antioxidants and plant chemicals that give the drink its characteristic smoky bitterness and smell, apart from its healthy properties.
Therefore the question arises – what is the safe limit. How much intake of coffee will help reap the benefits and not suffer the risks? The answer as given by a dietician is up to three cups a day. That way one can enjoy its health benefits.
However, those who have heart disease should avoid instant coffee since it contains high levels of potassium and tis can cause dangerous changes in heart rhythm.
Read more on coffee and health at this link.

Japanese humanoid robot ‘Pepper’ has emotions – specially made for dementia patients

#humanoidrobot #PepperRobot #emotionalrobot #dementia With the increase in the life expectancy of people and, consequent increase in the number of aged persons all around us, it is but natural that problems related to those suffering from dementia gradually take center stage.
Japan has, therefore, created a humanoid robot to take care of dementia patients – these robots have that emotional touch and can become invaluable in taking care of such persons. The robots called Pepper can help take care of people with dementia by recognizing their emotions.
One of the robots is at present in the Nishi-Koigakubo Ninjin Home – this is a special elderly nursing home in western Tokyo. The elderly dementia patients can spend time with Pepper.
This humanoid robot with artificial intelligence is being developed by SoftBank Mobile. It claims to be the world's first robot that has been designed to serve people by recognizing their emotions. It is expected that Pepper would take over responsibilities of a conversation partner for those suffering from dementia.
During its visit to the Nishi-Koigakubo Ninjin Home, the robot Pepper played a game and showed off its dancing skills also. There are plans for the robot to provide better support for dementia patients by encouraging the elderly to talk about their memories.
Pepper is set to retail for 198,000 yen on the consumer market in February.