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A Neuroscientist Reveals The Drinks That Are ‘Great’ For Your Brain, Including Green Tea Which Cut Dementia By 43%

September 10, 2024 by Faith Geiger

 
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When it comes to maintaining brain health, what you consume on a daily basis can have a significant impact. While most people know that a balanced diet rich in nutrients is essential for overall well-being, few realize how closely linked brain function and nutrition truly are. The foods and drinks you choose can either support cognitive function and memory or contribute to the decline of mental acuity over time. As conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia continue to rise, it’s more important than ever to incorporate brain-boosting drinks into your daily routine.

In a recent TikTok, Neuroscientist Dr. Robert Love highlighted five powerful drinks that can enhance brain function, protect against neurodegenerative diseases, and even improve memory. Among these, some are familiar staples like green tea, while others, like beet juice and turmeric lattes, may surprise you with their brain-boosting benefits. Here are the five drinks Dr. Love recommends for optimal brain health, including one that has been found to reduce dementia symptoms by an impressive 43%.

1. Beet Juice

Beet juice might not be the most common drink, but according to Dr. Love, it's a game-changer for brain and heart health alike. "Make sure you eat some protein or fiber before so that you don’t spike your blood sugar," he advises, "but this is really great because it increases something called nitric oxide, which helps dilate the blood vessels." This boost in circulation is beneficial for heart health, and as Dr. Love points out, "What’s good for your heart is good for your brain."

2. Green Tea

If you’re a fan of green tea, you’ll be happy to know that it does wonders for your brain, among its other benefits. Dr. Love highlights the impressive results of research on this ancient drink: "Those who drank two cups of green tea or more every day had a 43% reduction in their symptoms of dementia." The antioxidants in green tea work to protect brain cells, making it a potent option for maintaining cognitive function as you age.

3. Turmeric Latte

For those seeking a delicious and powerful brain-boosting drink, Dr. Love suggests the turmeric latte. "Curcumin helps reduce plaque in the brain," he explains, noting its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. "You can actually improve memory with this drink," he adds. To prepare it, combine turmeric spice, black pepper, and cinnamon simmered in coconut milk, and you’ve got a comforting drink that’s both healing and beneficial for your brain.

4. Organic Coffee

Dr. Love’s fourth recommendation might stir up some controversy: organic coffee. While coffee often gets a bad rap, there’s research showing that it may be beneficial for brain health. "Caffeine helps to prevent the accumulation of amyloid plaque in the brain," Dr. Love states, adding that it can also improve memory and reduce the risk of depression. "Coffee is rich in polyphenols," he continues, explaining that these compounds are good for your gut bacteria, and ultimately, "What’s good for your gut is good for your brain."

5. Matcha

The final drink on Dr. Love’s list is matcha, which he describes as "green tea on steroids." With 10 times the antioxidants of regular green tea, matcha offers an even stronger defense against cognitive decline. "It is a little bit bitter, so I like to add a little bit of MCT oil and blend that in my matcha," Dr. Love suggests. Matcha’s antioxidant-rich properties make it a powerful addition to any brain-boosting routine.

By incorporating these five drinks into your diet, you could enhance your brain health and support long-term cognitive function. Whether you choose a simple cup of green tea or a more adventurous turmeric latte, the benefits are undeniable.

READ MORE: 4 Drinks That Lead To Insulin Resistance And Weight Gain—And What To Swap Them Out With

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