Coffee
Coffee consumption has been linked to a reduced risk of brain-related diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Coffee has also been shown to increase alertness and improve concentration thanks to its high caffeine content, which may also work as a mood-lifter by stimulating those “feel-good” neurotransmitters in your brain, like serotonin.Up to 400 mg, which is equivalent to about 4 cups of brewed coffee is said to be safe for most healthy adults.
Green Tea
Green tea leaves are packed with antioxidants, like the renowned, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) which has been shown to improve cognitive health and lower brain inflammation, which is often linked to neurological diseases.Healthy adults seeking to improve their working memory should aim to drink 2-4 cups a day! Green tea also contains a lower caffeine content than coffee, making it more tolerable for people who are sensitive to it.
Hot (Dark) Chocolate
Cocoa beans also contain some of the brain-friendly compounds previously mentioned, including caffeine and antioxidants. In addition to those, these cool beans contain flavonols that can relax the lining of the blood vessels, including those in the brain, thus. This helps to reduce the blood pressure flowing to this vital organ, resulting in healthier circulation, lowering the risk for damaging effects, like those linked to strokes.Researchers have also found cacao to slow down age-related mental decline. Dark chocolate has the highest concentration of flavonols when compared to the other chocolate varieties. So, sit back and relax with a nice warm cup of hot cacao.
Berry Smoothies
Similar to dark chocolate, berries too, contain special flavonols, called anthocyanins, that give the fruit its deep violet-blue pigment while also working as a damage-repair team. Berries help reduce oxidative stress, maintain neural blood vessel health, and even enhance the creation of new neurons.Studies have also shown berries to delay the early onset of mental decline. As berries are naturally low glycemic they can also serve as a healthy option for added sweetness to any drink, or dish.
Cinnamon and Turmeric Tea
Cinnamon contains two key compounds called proanthocyanidin and cinnamaldehyde, and turmeric contains the active ingredient, curcumin. These antioxidant compounds can help reduce plaque build-up in the brain, and by doing so, decrease the risk for dementia, and can potentially inhibit its progression.Curcumin has also shown benefits in promoting memory in people with Alzheimer’s disease.Studies have shown that it can potentially aid as a mood-booster in people who are feeling depressed.
Source:https://www.lifestyle-a2z.com/5-beverages-that-may-boost-your-brain-health/
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