Want A Healthier Brain Over 40? Sip On These 5 Beverages Every Day For Sharper Memory & Cognitive Function, Experts Say

As we age, maintaining cognitive function and memory becomes increasingly important. There are several healthy habits you can incorporate into your daily routine in order to preserve your brain health—and one of the best things you can do is prioritize a heart-healthy diet. Fortunately, incorporating certain beverages into your daily routine can support brain health and fend off age-related decline.

To discover some of the best beverages for the job, we spoke to dietitian nutritionist Krutika Nanavati. She shed some light on five great options: green tea, coffee, turmeric lattes, water, and blueberry juice. Learn more about the benefits of each below.

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1. Green Tea

Nanavati highlights green tea as a powerhouse beverage for cognitive function and memory. She says antioxidants called catechins are largely to thank for these benefits. “Green tea is great for cognitive function and memory, especially for those over 40,” she says, noting that catechins “protect the brain from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Green tea also has caffeine, which can boost mood, reaction time, and memory.” Plus, it’s great for weight loss—what’s not to love?

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2. Coffee

Coffee isn’t just a delicious morning ritual that can give you a much-needed energy boost; in addition to potential fat-burning properties, Nanavati says it can also do wonders for your brain. “Coffee, like green tea, contains caffeine and antioxidants,” she explains. “Caffeine blocks the adenosine receptor in the brain, improving cognitive function, mood, and alertness. Regular coffee consumption is linked to lower risks of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.” Sign us up!

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3. Turmeric Lattes

Turmeric is one of the healthiest spices out there thanks to its inflammation-fighting properties. As it turns out, it can also help boost your memory and cognitive function when consumed on a regular basis. “Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits,” Nanavati emphasizes. “It can improve brain function and delay age-related decreases by boosting brain-derived neurotrophic factors and reducing inflammation.” Plus, it’s delicious! Creating a latte with this spice is a great way to reap these benefits and enjoy a tasty, earthy beverage.

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4. Water

This one may be a no-brainer, but it’s impossible to overestimate the importance of proper hydration to your overall health, including when it comes to your brain. “Hydration plays a critical role in maintaining cognitive function and memory,” Nanavati stresses. “Even mild dehydration can impair attention, memory, and mood. Consuming adequate water daily is essential for overall brain health and function, especially for individuals over 40, to combat age-related decreases in water conservation by the body. Got it!

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5. Blueberry Juice

When you’re craving something fruity that’s also good for your brain, reach for some blueberry juice! Nanavati recommends this beverage as a potent beverage for brain health, citing its high content of flavonoids, “which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These substances can improve communication between brain cells and increase plasticity, which helps brain cells form new connections, improving memory and cognitive functions,” she says. “Regular consumption of blueberry juice could offer protection against memory loss and cognitive decline.” Yum! Just be sure to watch out for the sugar content in the juice you choose, as consuming too much can ultimately do more harm than good.

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The bottom line

While the drinks you choose shouldn’t be the end all, be all of your brain-healthy habits, incorporating these five beverages into your daily routine can certainly contribute to maintaining a healthier brain as you age. Whether you prefer a soothing cup of green tea, a revitalizing coffee, or a refreshing glass of blueberry juice, each sip can help support cognitive function and memory, allowing you to stay sharp and focused well into your golden years.