6 nutritionist-approved beverages to boost memory and brain performance
Dr. Terry Shintani, a Harvard-trained nutritionist, suggests incorporating specific beverages to boost memory and cognitive function. Green tea, coffee, and beetroot juice offer neuroprotective benefits and improved blood flow. Turmeric tea, kombucha, and hibiscus tea also contribute to brain health through anti-inflammatory properties, probiotics, and plaque reduction.
You are a drink away from boosting your memory and the performance of your brain! Yes, that's right. Imagine having a beverage that is not only a treat for you, but also for your brain! Maintaining optimal brain health is crucial, and Dr.
Terry Shintani, a Harvard-trained nutritionist, has suggested certain beverages that can enhance memory and cognitive performance. These beverages, backed by science, are good for your brain. Take a look.
A cup of green tea keeps the doctor away! Green tea is rich in catechins, potent antioxidants that protect brain cells from oxidative stress. L-theanine, an amino acid in green tea, promotes relaxation and enhances focus. A 2006
study
found that green tea consumption improves cognitive function and reduces the risk of dementia.
Sip unsweetened green tea daily for a brain-boosting ritual.
Coffee has caffeine, a psycho-stimulant which has been shown to have beneficial effects on the brain. The chlorogenic acid in coffee also offers neuroprotective benefits.
Research
indicates that two to three cups of coffee a day are linked to a 30% lower risk of stroke and dementia. 'Coffee is associated with 30% less Alzheimer's disease,' the nutritionist adds.
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Beetroot juice is high in nitrates, which increase nitric oxide levels and improve blood flow to the brain. A 2017
study
in The Journals of Gerontology showed that beet juice enhances cognitive performance in older adults by improving cerebral blood flow. Drinking 8–12 ounces of pure beet juice a few times weekly can help you reap these benefits; however, consult a doctor if you have kidney issues or any underlying diseases.
Turmeric tea, paired with black pepper, contains curcumin, a compound with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies suggest that curcumin may improve memory in adults with mild cognitive impairment.
Dr. Terry Shintani stresses that Kombucha, which is a probiotic drink, is linked to brain function via the gut-brain axis. The probiotics in this fermented drink may enhance neurotransmitter production and improve mood and cognition.
Choose low-sugar kombucha if you enjoy it.
Sipping some hibiscus tea is linked with improved brain function. Hibiscus contains gossypetin, a flavonoid that stimulates microglia to clear beta-amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's. Studies have found that hibiscus extract supports memory preservation. Enjoy a cup of unsweetened hibiscus once in a while for brain-protective benefits.
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Always consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
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