A study of 50,000 American women showed that those who drank two or more cups of coffee a day were less likely to get depressed.

It is not clear why it might have this effect, but the authors believe caffeine in coffee may alter the brain's chemistry — it is known to enhance feelings of wellbeing and energy.

The researchers say their findings add weight to the work of others which found lower suicide rates among coffee drinkers.

(READ the story in the BBC)