If you drink coffee every day, you already know that few things can feel as great as indulging in that first cup when you wake up. But what if we told you that there’s a way to make your coffee even better by adding incredible brain health benefits to the picture? That’s right: While coffee already offers up some health benefits, including the fact that it could boost your metabolism and help you lose weight, there’s one ingredient you could sprinkle in that may even sharpen your memory and reduce brain fog. As it turns out, experts recommend adding cinnamon to your cup of joe for a brain-boosting pick-me-up.
To learn more about how adding cinnamon to your coffee could support a healthier brain, we spoke to dietitian Krutika Nanavati. She told us that this delicious spice can work wonders for your cognitive function. Read on for the inside scoop on its benefits.
Cinnamon and brain health
If you like a little bit of subtle sweetness in your coffee, it may be time to ditch the refined sugar and replace it with cinnamon. While regularly adding an excessive amount of sugar to your coffee could result in a range of health complications, cinnamon, on the other hand, can pack in benefits for your brain.
"Extensive research has revealed cinnamon's potential in preserving cognitive health and alleviating brain fog," Nanavati tells us. "When added to coffee, it boasts natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a particularly advantageous choice."
This is largely thanks to a key component of cinnamon called cinnamaldehyde, which is packed with antioxidants that can keep your brain protected from oxidative stress, which "can lead to cognitive decline, affecting both older adults and the young," Nanavati says. "Regular consumption of cinnamon has the potential to lower the risk of cognitive decline and enhance memory function."
Additionally, she points out, "Cinnamon is reputed to enhance brain function by elevating dopamine levels, a neurotransmitter that influences mood regulation and memory retrieval. When combined with other natural compounds present in coffee, cinnamon aids in battling fatigue and alleviating mental fog." Amazing! Sounds like a great way to ward off that mid-afternoon slump we experience so often.
On top of adding some brain-healthy antioxidants to your coffee, cinnamon may also combat brain fog by regulating blood sugar levels. "By stabilizing blood sugar, cinnamon helps prevent sudden energy crashes that often lead to brain fog," Nanavati says. "Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties can alleviate brain inflammation, resulting in enhanced clarity of thought and improved concentration."
So, there you have it. Next time you're brewing some coffee and thinking about adding harmful ingredients like sugar, artificial sweeteners, or inflammatory creamers to the mix, consider swapping it all for a sprinkle of cinnamon. Your brain will thank you!
READ MORE: 2 Coffee Tips To Boost Your Metabolism And Burn More Fat
