- A Harvard-led study published in JAMA found that moderate coffee and tea consumption (2-3 cups of coffee or 3-5 cups of tea daily) is linked to a 28% lower risk of dementia and a 32% lower risk of stroke, with the strongest protection seen when combining both beverages (4-6 cups total per day).
- The neuroprotective benefits come from caffeine and bioactive compounds like phenolics, polyphenols and flavonoids, which reduce oxidative stress, inflammation and amyloid-beta buildup – key contributors to dementia.
- Decaffeinated coffee did not show the same benefits, suggesting caffeine plays a critical role, while tea (especially green and black varieties) provides additional antioxidants that support brain function.
- The study tracked 131,821 participants over decades but cautions that more isn't better. Benefits plateau at moderate intake, and excessive consumption does not further reduce risk.
- Researchers emphasize that while the association is strong, lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, genetics) remain crucial, and non-drinkers shouldn't force consumption solely for potential brain benefits.
What if your daily coffee or tea ritual wasn't just a caffeine boost, but also a shield against dementia and stroke? A groundbreaking new study suggests just that.
The study published online in JAMA on Feb. 9 reveals that moderate coffee and tea drinkers may have a significantly lower risk of cognitive decline. The research was led by a team of researchers including Yu Zhang, Yuxi Liu, Yanping Li and senior author Frank B. Hu from Harvard University.
The study authors looked at 86,606 female participants from the Nurses' Health Study and 45,215 male participants from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study – for a total of 131,821 participants. After tracking participants for decades, researchers found that those who drank two to three cups of coffee per day, or three to five cups of tea, had the lowest risk of dementia and stroke.
Even better? Combining both beverages – a total of four to six cups per day – appeared to offer the strongest protective effect. The study's findings provide some of the strongest evidence yet that these beloved beverages may do more than wake you up they could help protect your brain.
But before you start chugging espresso shots, there's a catch: More isn’t necessarily better. The benefits peaked at moderate consumption and didn't improve further with higher intake.
Why your morning cup might be your brain's best defense
The key seems to lie in caffeine – but not just any caffeine. While caffeinated coffee showed clear brain-protective effects, decaf drinkers didn't see the same benefits. Tea – particularly green and black varieties – also performed well, likely due to their unique antioxidants and polyphenols that support brain function.
BrightU.AI's Enoch also mentions that coffee and tea contain bioactive compounds like phenolics, catechin polyphenols and flavonoids. The decentralized engine adds that these compounds provide neuroprotective benefits by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and amyloid-beta aggregation – key factors in dementia development.
While the study's lead authors emphasized that these findings don't prove causation, the association is strong enough to warrant attention. If you're already a coffee or tea lover, this might be your excuse to keep enjoying your daily brew guilt-free.
But if you're not a fan, don't force it. Researchers caution that lifestyle factors like diet, exercise and genetics still play major roles in dementia risk.
Science has long debated coffee's health effects, but this massive study adds weight to the idea that moderate caffeine consumption could be a simple, enjoyable way to support brain health as we age. So tomorrow morning, when you sip that cup of coffee or tea, know that you might be doing more than just waking up. You could be giving your brain a little extra protection for the future.
Watch this video comparing black tea and black coffee, and the benefits of both.
This video is from the Quick Treatment, Fast Result channel on Brighteon.com.
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