If you needed another reason to savor your morning coffee, here’s one: new research shows that people who drink two or three cups a day have a lower risk of dementia and slower cognitive decline as they age. This isn’t just a small study, either it followed over 130,000 adults for years and found that moderate caffeine drinkers, whether they preferred coffee or tea, were less likely to develop dementia than folks who skipped caffeine.
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Researchers didn’t just ask about memory loss. They also gave participants cognitive tests, and those who drank coffee or tea regularly actually performed better. The effect showed up with caffeinated drinks, not decaf. So, caffeine seems to matter here. Scientists think the protective benefits might come from compounds in coffee and tea like caffeine itself and polyphenols which may reduce inflammation, boost blood flow to the brain, and help protect nerve cells over time.
Still, before you start chugging coffee all day, there’s a catch. Drinking coffee isn’t a magic shield against dementia. This kind of study can show a link, but it can’t prove that coffee alone keeps the brain sharp. Your genes, what you eat, how much you move, and how well you sleep all play a big part, too.
Most experts agree: a couple cups of coffee or tea can fit into a healthy routine just don’t go overboard, especially if you load up on sugar or cream. Too much caffeine can bring its own problems. Really, coffee is just one piece of the puzzle. Staying active, eating well, sleeping enough, and keeping up with friends all matter for your brain, probably even more than what’s in your mug.
So for most people, enjoying that daily cup (or two) of coffee or tea is fine, and it might even help keep your mind sharper as you get older. If you have health issues or don’t handle caffeine well, talk to your doctor about what makes sense for you. Otherwise, sip and enjoy.
