Maintaining brain health is a priority for many people as they age. There’s no denying that it’s crucial for a healthy, long life, and it should be at the forefront of your heath goals in your later years, especially with the rising prevalence of cognitive issues like dementia and Alzheimer’s. While many factors contribute to cognitive decline, the good news is that simple lifestyle changes, including diet and hydration, can make a significant impact. One of the easiest ways to support brain health is through the beverages we sip on daily. Whether you’re trying to boost your memory, stay sharp, or reduce your risk of dementia, the right drinks can fuel your brain with the nutrients it needs.
According to neuroscientist Dr. Robert Love, certain drinks not only improve memory but may also reduce the risk of dementia by up to 40%. In a recent TikTok, Dr. Love pointed out three specific beverages that can help you maintain the health of your noggin: green tea, coffee, and magnesium-rich water. These drinks are rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and essential nutrients that can positively affect both short-term cognition and long-term brain function. Learn more about the benefits of each below.
1. Green Tea
Dr. Love’s first recommendation for brain health is green tea. He calls up research from Japan that shows how powerful this beverage can be in fighting dementia. "Research out of Japan of 1,000 Japanese people found those who drank 2 cups of green tea or more a day had a 43% reduction in their symptoms of dementia compared to those who drank no green tea," Dr. Love notes. The magic behind green tea lies in its rich antioxidant and polyphenol content, which provides anti-inflammatory benefits that help protect brain cells from damage.
In addition to these antioxidants, green tea is also known to improve focus and concentration. Drinking green tea regularly can lead to long-term improvements in memory and brain function, making it a top choice for those looking to enhance their cognitive abilities. As a bonus, this tasty beverage is good for weight loss, too!
2. Coffee
The second drink on Dr. Love's list is a favorite for many: coffee. Not only does coffee give you a much-needed caffeine boost in the morning, but it’s also excellent for brain health. Dr. Love explains why: "Coffee is rich in polyphenols, those plant nutrients that are great for our gut bacteria. What’s good for your gut is good for your brain." As it turns out, coffee is the largest source of polyphenols for Americans—which means many of us our fueling our brains without evening knowing about the fantastic impact.
Coffee also contains caffeine, which Dr. Love says can "improve both attention as well as improve memory." For students or anyone looking to retain information, drinking coffee after learning can help solidify memories. It's a simple, everyday ritual that packs a big punch for cognitive function. Just be sure to keep inflammatory ingredients out of the mix, as these can do more harm than good.
3. Magnesium-Rich Water
We probably don't have to tell you that hydration is a crucial cornerstone of health. Dr. Love emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated, for your brain, in particular—specifically with water rich in magnesium. "Most of us don’t drink enough water during the day. So drinking water, keeping hydrated, is really important for proper brain hydration," he says. Dehydration can cause brain fog, leading to slower thinking and a lack of clarity. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps maintain brain function, but adding magnesium makes it even more effective.
Magnesium is vital for your overall health. Among other benefits, it plays a central role in numerous processes in the brain, and many people don’t get enough of it through their diets. Dr. Love highlights that "approximately 70% of Americans are not eating enough magnesium-rich food." To combat this, he suggests using magnesium drops in water to ensure you’re getting enough of this essential mineral, which can help with brain function and reduce cognitive decline over time.
Ultimately, incorporating these three drinks into your daily routine can improve your memory, enhance focus, and maybe even reduce the risk of dementia. Plus, they're delicious. Wins all around!
