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Time of India
14-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
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. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around in 2025 Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo (Pic courtesy: iStock) 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. Study Biotech & Health Tech Abroad: Top Courses at Harvard, Stanford Always consult a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Future-Proof Your Child with AI Skills | Limited Early Bird Seats – 33% OFF! | WhatsApp: 9560500838
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers make troubling finding about widespread threat to public health: 'Especially when people are exposed to high levels'
A new 10-year study by University College London researchers has established a link between air pollution and cognitive decline in adults over 65. While aging generally contributes to cognitive decline, it's so far unclear why some adults experience greater levels and acceleration of cognitive decay than others. The UCL study, published in The Journals of Gerontology, pointed toward nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) as factors. The researchers targeted areas with high and low concentrations of PM2.5, which can accumulate in the lungs, and nitrogen dioxide, which is released by most fuel-burning machines, from gas stoves to car engines. Upon evaluating the memory, executive function, language, and other such skills in older adults, the team discovered that those breathing in the most nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5 demonstrated the lowest cognitive ability. In particular, language capacity appeared to be the most affected. "Although the biological underpinnings of the association between pollutant exposure and poor cognitive performance are still unclear, it has been suggested that increased air pollution is most strongly associated with impairment in the temporal lobe, which is essential for language," the researchers wrote. Air pollution has already been linked to several health problems, including asthma, heart disease, and even fetal and childhood brain development. With this most recent study, the list keeps growing. "Our study shows that air pollution is not just harmful to the lungs and heart but also brain health, especially when people are exposed to high levels for long periods," the study's lead author, Dr. Giorgio Di Gessa, expressed in a press release. The research highlights that the very air we breathe can contribute to accelerated cognitive decay as we age. According to the World Health Organization, 90% of the global population breathes in polluted air regularly. National movements toward regulating pollution and incentivizing clean energy technology can set positive precedents for industries and communities going forward. On your own, you can opt for fuel-free or fuel-reducing alternatives to your regular habits, such as taking public transit or upgrading to an induction stove. Shopping secondhand and repurposing your waste can also lower industrial strain by reducing your demand for production. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Still, while limiting air pollution is no doubt key to mitigating these adverse outcomes for future generations, our populations and industries are expanding so rapidly that it may not be entirely within our control. To lower your health risks regardless, you can opt for a more active and mindful lifestyle. For instance, even mild physical exercise can help lower your risk of developing dementia as you age, according to Harvard Health. Small changes like refining your diet or spending time in nature can also further fortify your cognitive health. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
