Throughout most of my life, I’ve been firmly in the ‘no conversation before coffee’ camp. I always ensure that my coffee has enough time to take effect before diving into work, since my concentration isn’t quite as sharp without a robust amount of caffeine circulating in my system.
While I recognize the immediate benefits of coffee for my brain, I recently discovered that I’ve been neglecting a remarkable ingredient endorsed by neurologists that could further enhance the drink’s cognitive and protective attributes: cinnamon. Here’s why pairing coffee with cinnamon is an ideal way to energize our mornings and enhance brain health and cognitive function over time.
The benefits of coffee for brain health
Before delving into how cinnamon complements coffee’s brain benefits, let’s review how coffee itself is such a powerhouse. Dr. Shaheen Lakhan, MD, a board-certified neurologist in Miami, FL, highlights that coffee serves a purpose far beyond just a morning energy boost.
“I can confidently assert that coffee provides several notable advantages for brain health. Caffeine, the chief active ingredient in coffee, functions as a stimulant that heightens alertness, enhances focus, and improves short-term memory,” he states. In addition, coffee is a great source of antioxidants, which can assist in shielding brain cells from oxidative stress and potentially lower the risk of degenerative brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, according to Dr. Lakhan.
“Some studies have indicated that regular coffee consumption may possess neuroprotective effects and could potentially decrease the risk of stroke,” Dr. Lakhan adds. Although additional research is necessary to determine coffee’s role as a powerful dietary component for delaying the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Lakhan suggests that moderate coffee consumption “could serve as a simple yet effective strategy to support your long-term cognitive wellness.”
How cinnamon with coffee can help boost brain health
While coffee alone is potent for brain function, adding cinnamon can elevate its advantages as well as its flavor. “Cinnamon has compounds that may assist in regulating blood sugar levels, which is essential for sustaining stable cognitive performance throughout the day. It is also abundant in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that could further support brain health in the long term,” Dr. Lakhan notes.
A 2024 review of 40 studies published in Nutritional Neuroscience found that cinnamon can significantly enhance cognitive abilities—particularly learning and memory—while also helping to prevent and diminish cognitive impairment. Previous studies in mice “suggest that cinnamon may help prevent or slow the advancement of neurodegenerative diseases [including Parkinson’s],” Dr. Lakhan states, though further studies in humans are required to make definitive claims.
Nevertheless, Dr. Lakhan supports the idea of adding cinnamon to coffee as a simple and safe method to strengthen your brain’s resilience as time goes on. “This isn’t just about flavor; it’s about providing your neurons with that extra layer of protection,” he states.
More ways to amplify coffee’s brain-boosting potential
Integrating cinnamon with coffee is an effortless technique to boost cognitive and brain health advantages while enjoying your daily cup and looking towards the future. (Incidentally, this delightful combination is also friendly to your gut health in the long run.) To further enhance your brain-boosting coffee experience, consider the following strategies to nourish your mind with each cup.
1. Pass on the artificial sweeteners
As you enhance your coffee with cinnamon, you might want to eliminate artificial sweeteners to amplify the protective effects. “Certain artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin have been linked to adverse impacts on gut microbiota, which could indirectly affect brain health through the gut-brain connection,” Dr. Lakhan cautions.
2. Rethink your creamer
As you reconsider your coffee choices for your brain’s benefit, it might also be wise to skip flavored creamers. “Many of these products contain high levels of added sugars and unhealthy fats, which can lead to inflammation and potentially increase the risk of cognitive decline over time,” he suggests.
3. Keep your coffee as natural as possible
If cinnamon alone isn’t sufficient to please your taste buds, Dr. Lakhan recommends healthier alternatives to enhance your coffee. “For those who prefer milk in their coffee, choosing unsweetened plant-based milk or small amounts of regular milk would be a healthier option compared to heavily sweetened or artificially flavored alternatives,” he advises.
When it comes to sweeteners, he recommends using modest amounts of natural options or gradually reducing their use entirely. (The good news is that once you minimize or eliminate added sugars, your taste buds *and* cravings can adapt within as few as six days, thus making your cinnamon-spiced coffee more enjoyable without the added sugar.)
“Your brain thrives on simplicity. A pure cup of coffee provides a clear pathway for your neurons to operate optimally,” Dr. Lakhan concludes.
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