If you are among those who do not start the day without a cup of coffee and enjoy that morning ritual, perhaps you could enrich your favorite drink with an additive that is believed to have a positive effect on brain health.
Here’s why they are coffee and cinnamon the perfect pair for energizing mornings and boosting your brain health and cognitive function throughout the day, it says Well+Good.
Benefits of coffee for brain health
Before we explain the benefits of enjoying cinnamon with coffee, let’s recap how and why coffee itself is so powerful. According to Dr. Shahin Lakan, a neurologist based in Miami, coffee is more than just a morning ritual. Miss7.
“I can safely say that coffee offers several significant benefits for brain health. Caffeine, the primary active compound in coffee, acts as a stimulant that increases alertness, improves concentration, and can improve short-term memory,” he explains. Because coffee is a solid source of antioxidants, it can also help protect brain cells from oxidative stress, which can help reduce the risk of degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, says Dr. Lakan.
“Some studies have also shown that regular coffee consumption can have protective effects on the brain and potentially reduce the risk of stroke,” continues Dr. Lakan. Although more research is needed on coffee’s potential as a powerful dietary component to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Lakan says moderate coffee intake “could be a simple but effective way to invest in your long-term cognitive health.”
How cinnamon with coffee can help improve brain health
As powerful as coffee is for brain health and cognition on its own, adding a few pinches of cinnamon can take its benefits (not to mention the taste) to the next level. “Cinnamon contains compounds that can help regulate blood sugar levels, which is critical for maintaining stable cognitive function throughout the day. It’s also rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that can contribute to long-term brain health,” explains Dr. Lakan.
According to a 2024 analysis of 40 studies published in the journal Nutritional Neuroscience, cinnamon can significantly improve cognitive function – learning and memory – and help prevent and reduce cognitive impairment. Previous research “suggests that cinnamon may potentially help prevent or slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases,” adds Dr. Lakan, although more human research is needed to prove these claims.
Still, Dr. Lacan advocates cinnamon-flavored coffee as a safe and simple way to boost your brain’s defenses over the years. “It’s not just about taste; it’s about providing an extra layer of protection for your neurons,” he says.
More ways to improve brain health with coffee
Cinnamon with coffee is a simple trick to enhance the cognitive and health benefits of your drink, both daily and long-term. But this dynamic duo is also recommended for regular gut health support. To take things to the next level, follow these tips and make your cup of coffee as healthy as possible.
Cut out artificial sweeteners
While adding cinnamon to your coffee, you may want to cut out the artificial sweeteners to double the protective benefits. “Some artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, sucralose and saccharin, have been linked to negative effects on gut bacteria, which could indirectly affect brain health via the gut-brain axis,” warns Dr. Lakan.
Do not put creamers in coffee
While you’re thinking about drinking coffee that can help your brain health, it’s also a good idea to steer clear of the flavored creamers that are often added to coffee. “Many contain high amounts of added sugar and unhealthy fats, can contribute to inflammation and potentially increase the risk of cognitive decline over time,” says Lacan.
Make your coffee as natural as possible
If cinnamon alone isn’t enough to satisfy your palate, Dr. Lakan advises opting for healthier alternatives than those listed above to start your coffee. “For those who prefer their coffee with milk, choose unsweetened plant-based milk or small amounts of plain milk, which are healthier choices than sweetened and flavored options,” he explains.
As for sweeteners, he suggests using small amounts of natural sweeteners or reducing them gradually. The good news is that once you eliminate or limit added sugar, your taste buds can adjust to the new beverage in as little as six days, and you’ll improve the taste of cinnamon-flavored coffee without artificial or sweet additives.
“Your brain craves simplicity. A clean cup of coffee is like a clear pathway for your neurons to fire in your gray matter,” concludes Dr. Lacan.
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