Turmeric has generated a lot of buzz recently. It may also offer some protection against Alzheimer’s, thanks to its content of caffeine and antioxidants. SummaryĬoffee can help boost alertness and mood. This could at least be partly due to coffee’s high concentration of antioxidants ( 16). The largest risk reduction was seen in those adults who consumes 3-4 cups daily ( 10, 15). One study found that caffeine consumption led to short-term improvements in attention and alertness in participants completing a cognition test ( 14).ĭrinking coffee over the long-term is also linked to a reduced risk of neurological diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Caffeine may also boost some of your “feel-good” neurotransmitters, such as dopamine ( 13). Caffeine keeps your brain alert by blocking adenosine, a chemical messenger that makes you feel sleepy ( 11, 12).

The caffeine found in coffee has a number of positive effects on the brain, including ( 10): Two main components in coffee - caffeine and antioxidants - can help support brain health. If coffee is the highlight of your morning, you’ll be glad to hear that it’s good for you. Omega-3s play a role in sharpening memory and improving mood, as well as protecting your brain against cognitive decline.

Summaryįatty fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, a major building block of the brain. Overall, fatty fish is an excellent choice for brain health. Gray matter contains most of the nerve cells that control decision making, memory, and emotion ( 9). Some research also suggests that people who eat fish regularly tend to have more gray matter in their brains. In general, eating fish seems to have positive health benefits. On the flip side, not getting enough omega-3s is linked to learning impairments, as well as depression ( 3, 8). Omega-3s also offer several additional benefits for your brain.įor one thing, they may slow age-related mental decline and help ward off Alzheimer’s disease ( 4, 5, 6, 7). Your brain uses omega-3s to build brain and nerve cells, and these fats are essential for learning and memory ( 2, 3). This type of fish includes salmon, trout, albacore tuna, herring, and sardines, all of which are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids ( 1).Ībout 60% of your brain is made of fat, and half of that fat is comprised of omega-3 fatty acids ( 2). When people talk about brain foods, fatty fish is often at the top of the list.

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