Caffeine Benefits Your Brain, According To Research

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A regular coffee habit might be a key component to fighting Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, according to new research from Indiana University.

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The study, which looked at the effects of various chemical compounds on the production of NMNAT2 — an enzyme that protects the brain against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and ALS — was able to identify 24 useful compounds.

In particular, NMNAT2 production was significantly increased by the presence of caffeine, which has also been shown to improve memory in mice whose brains have been genetically modified to resemble those of human patients with neurodegenerative diseases. During the study, genetically modified mice with low levels of the critical enzyme were given doses of caffeine, which then brought their NMNAT2 levels to the same as healthy, non-modified mice.

Previously, research on the health benefits of caffeine has also linked the compound to protection against diabetes and cardiovascular disease, as well as to lower rates of depression among women.

If you’re looking for more innovative ways to drink coffee and protect your brain, heart and blood sugar, consider the most expensive cup of coffee in America, a Jack Daniels-flavored brew, or this wine-infused coffee.