If you think the caffeine in your morning cup oâ joe is solely responsible for its coveted brain- [Click here](1770d7/ct0_0/1/ms?sid=TV2%3AEipgsEWlX) to view this message in your browser | [Click here](1770d7/l-002e/zout?sid=TV2%3AEipgsEWlX) to stop receiving our messages [] [] Al Sears, MD
11905 Southern Blvd.
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 [] January 16, 2024 [] Reader, If you think the caffeine in your morning cup oâ joe is solely responsible for its coveted brain-boosting benefits, youâre not alone. After all, caffeine is a key reason why 81% of Americans get their day going by drinking at least two cups of coffee every day.1 And studies prove this naturally occurring herbal stimulant can improve both short-term and long-term memory2,3 increase alertness and reduce fatigue,4 and enhance cognition.5 But coffee has a special helper that most people donât know about. Iâm talking about a little-known compound called trigonelline, a unique form of vitamin B3 (niacin). Trigonelline, which is also found in fenugreek seeds, Japanese radishes, and hemp seeds, has been shown to:6 - Increase spatial learning and memory
- Support nervous system development
- Enhance mitochondrial function and
- Increase key neurotransmitters in the hippocampus of the brain But its key brain benefit is that it suppresses neuroinflammation. As a regular reader, you know how dangerous inflammation is, and how itâs often a key factor in chronic diseases, especially in the brain. You see, breakthrough research confirms that amyloid plaques â the misfolded proteins that are a key symptom of Alzheimerâs disease â are caused by a breakdown of the immune system, triggered by widespread inflamm-aging. Amyloid plaques prevent neurons from working properly. When your brain is inflamed and your immune system can no longer clear away these rogue proteins, they cluster together and gum up the signaling networks between your neurons. Eventually, it leads to memory loss and confusion. At the same time, inflammation squeezes the blood vessels in your brain, restricting oxygen supply, causing cell damage, loss of brain tissue, and cell death. A new study, aimed at investigating the therapeutic potential of trigonelline, revealed it may effectively treat Alzheimerâs, Parkinsonâs, epilepsy, and depression7 by preventing oxidative stress.8 Oxidative stress can feel like brain fog, chronic fatigue, or a headache. It can also result in memory loss, infections, and serve as a catalyst for inflammatory diseases.9 Preventing oxidative stress helps control your bodyâs inflammatory response. The implications of these studies for trigonelline as a neuroenhancer, and for coffee lovers are huge. Coffee lovers can rejoice in knowing there is truly something special about their cup of joe other caffeinated beverages canât match. Get the most out of your cup of coffee Drinking a cup or two of coffee is the best way to increase trigonelline levels. Hereâs what I recommend: - Choose Arabica coffee. While both Arabica and robusta coffee beans contain this brain-saving enzyme, concentrations are twice as high in Arabica. Look for certified organic beans. Not only are they higher in antioxidants, they donât use any synthetic chemicals or fertilizers. I also suggest looking for âFairtradeâ on the label. This protects traditional small coffee farmers. - Drink it fresh. Grind your coffee at the time you wish to drink it. This maximizes the flavor and prevents oxidation. Coffeeâs healing properties are best when brewed fresh. - Drink it black. The best benefits of coffee are delivered in its purest state. Adding dairy products and sweeteners may alter the taste, but it will also diminish the rewards. If youâre not a fan of coffee, you can supplement with fenugreek capsules. I suggest taking 500 mg a day. To Your Good Health, Al Sears, MD, CNS --------------------------------------------------------------- References: - Buchholz K. âHow many cups of coffee do Americans drink each day?â January 2023. Accessed on November 30, 2023.
- Sherman S, et al. âCaffeine Enhances Memory Performance in Young Adults during Their Non-optimal Time of Day.â [Front Psychol.](1770d7/ct1_0/1/lu?sid=TV2%3AEipgsEWlX) 2016; 7: 1764.
- Borota D, et al. âPost-study caffeine administration enhances memory consolidation in humans.â Nat Neurosci. 2014 Feb;17(2):201-3.
- Nehlig, A. âIs caffeine a cognitive enhancer? J Alzheimer's Dis. 2010;20(S1):S85-S94.
- Zhang B, et al. Cognition and brain activation in response to various doses of caffeine: a near-infrared spectroscopy study. Front Psychol. 2020 July 3;1393.
- Aktar S, et al. âTranscriptomics and biochemical evidence of trigonelline ameliorating learning and memory decline in the senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) model by suppressing proinflammatory cytokines and elevating neurotransmitter release.â GeroScience. 2023.
- Zia S, et al. âUnlocking therapeutic potential of trigonelline through molecular docking as a promising approach for treating diverse neurological disorders.â Metabolic Brain Disease. 2023.
- Chowdhury A, et al. âTrigonelline insulates against oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokines and restores BDNF levels in lipopolysaccharide induced cognitive impairment in adult mice.â Metab Brain Dis. 2018;33(3):681-691.
- Pizzino G, et al. âOxidative stress: Harms and benefits for human health.â Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017:8416763. alsearsmd@send.alsearsmd.com [Preferences | Unsubscribe](1770d7/l-002e/zout?sid=TV2%3AEipgsEWlX) 11905 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33411, United States