If you’re looking for ways to maintain cognitive health as you age, your morning Coffee Or Tea You may have more benefits than you think. Recent research suggests that incorporating these beverages into your daily routine may help maintain brain function and potentially delay cognitive decline.

Two recent studies have found strong evidence of the potential cognitive benefits of coffee and tea. The first study followed nearly 6,000 cognitively healthy adults, with a mean age of 68, for about seven years. During the study period, cognitive abilities improved in about 230 participants. MadnessThe results showed that there was a significant association between coffee and tea consumption and a lower risk of dementia.

Participants who consumed at least two cups of coffee per day were 38% less likely to develop dementia than those who abstained from coffee. Similarly, those who drank tea had a 36% lower risk of dementia than those who never drank tea.

According to Frank B. Hu, MD, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the beneficial effects of coffee and tea are likely due to their high polyphenol content. “Polyphenols are plant compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which are beneficial. Brain Healthsays Dr. Hu, who was not involved in the study.

The second study, which followed 8,451 cognitively healthy adults aged 60 and older for about nine years, focused on fluid intelligence – the ability to solve abstract problems and think quickly. The findings suggested that moderate coffee consumption (0 to 3 cups per day) was associated with a slower decline in fluid intelligence than drinking four or more cups per day. In contrast, drinking one or more cups of tea per day was associated with a slower decline in fluid intelligence than drinking no tea at all.

Glenn Finney, MD, professor of neurology and director of the Memory and Cognition Program at Geisinger College of Health Sciences, attributes these benefits to the moderate caffeine levels found in coffee and tea. “Fluid intelligence benefits from the ability to focus and think quickly, which is what I would expect to increase with moderate levels of caffeine intake,” says Dr. Finney.

However, Dr. Finney also warns of the potential harms of excessive caffeine intake. “It is possible to have too much of a good thing. Drinking too much coffee can increase brain activity too much, resulting in decreased cognitive performance,” he explains.

While moderate coffee and tea consumption may be beneficial, excessive consumption is also associated with potential risks. Yu Chen, PhD, MPH, professor of epidemiology at New York University Grossman School of Medicine, highlights that coffee contains substances such as cafestol, which may increase cholesterol levels. “Excessive coffee consumption may lead to other negative effects on cognitive health, including a potential increase in cholesterol,” says Dr. Chen.

Overall, these studies underscore the potential cognitive benefits of moderate coffee and tea consumption. As with any dietary habit, balance is key. While one or two cups of coffee or tea daily may support brain health and slow cognitive decline, it is important to avoid excessive consumption and consider other aspects of a balanced diet and lifestyle.

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