Coffee is good for memory: Harvard scientists told how to drink it to improve brain function

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Based on how often we consume it and how it affects our health, it's no surprise that this drink is being researched a lot. Edition CNBC told how useful coffee is for our brain.

Photo: Shutterstock

In 2017, Boukje van Gelder and colleagues reported on 676 older men they studied over a 10-year period to see if their coffee protected their bodies from cognitive decline. They found that men who consumed the drink had less cognitive decline than those who did not.

The greatest effect was observed in those who drank three cups of coffee a day, and those who exceeded this amount, the effect was less noticeable.

How Coffee Protects the Brain and Supports Memory

Dr. Uma Naidu, a nutritionist, Harvard Medical School lecturer and author of It's Your Brain About Food, said the positive link between coffee and mental health inspires her the most.

Here are just a few of the key benefits that coffee can support the brain:

• caffeine increases levels of serotonin and acetylcholine, which stimulate the brain and help stabilize the blood-brain barrier;
• polyphenolic trace elements in coffee prevent tissue damage by free radicals, as well as blockage of blood vessels in the brain;
• high concentrations of trigonelline were found in coffee beans, which activates antioxidants, which protects the blood vessels of the brain.

However, keep in mind that not all substances in coffee are beneficial. Unfiltered coffee, for example, contains natural oils called diterpenes. They raise cholesterol levels, which can lead to thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries in the brain.

On the subject: What to drink instead of coffee: 7 healthy and invigorating alternatives

How to make coffee good for the brain

Researchers have found that coffee has more good effects than bad when consumed in moderation.

Two to four cups per day or no more than 400 milligrams of caffeine is recommended. Drinking dark-roasted, freshly ground coffee beans can reduce the amount of unwanted chemicals in your coffee.

How to drink coffee to maximize its brain benefits:

1. Practice Body Intelligence

Coffee is not for everyone and can have adverse effects, especially if consumed in excess.

To decide how much caffeine to consume (or not at all), tune in to your body's innate intelligence. This means recognizing how food and drink make you feel and then acting accordingly.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York

If you don't feel comfortable after drinking coffee, it's probably bad for your body.

2. Make coffee part of your morning routine.

Morning rituals help improve brain activity and focus on achieving the goal. Find the perfect recipe for this drink and it will become part of your morning awakening.

3. Avoid coffee shops

Saving money and making coffee at home helps you use healthy ingredients and avoid processed ingredients that can cause inflammation in the gut and brain.

For example, instead of buying a sweet mocha latte, you can make one of your favorite coffee drinks at home: mix antioxidant-rich coffee and cocoa with unsweetened coconut milk to add healthy fats, a pinch of cinnamon to boost cognitive function, and a drop of vanilla - for a pleasant taste.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Life hacks from a flight attendant: 10 things you should not do during a flight

Top 25 products that have risen in price the most recently

What to drink instead of coffee: 7 healthy and invigorating alternatives

Drinking lots of coffee is good: 3-4 cups a day may even protect against cancer

Scientists: insomnia may be an early sign of a fatal illness

How not to eat breakfast so as not to destroy your immunity: advice from nutritionists

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.