The Benefits of Cinnamon and Coffee for Brain Health

For most of my life, I’ve always been a girl who didn’t talk before coffee. I also make sure to always give my coffee enough time to take effect before I start working, because my concentration isn’t as sharp without a good dose of caffeine circulating in my system.

Although I am well aware of the short term consequences benefits of coffee For my part, it turns out I dozed off with a special neurologist-approved ingredient that may further amplify the drink’s brain-boosting and protective potential: cinnamon. Here’s why coffee and cinnamon are the perfect pairing to energize our mornings and boost your brain health and cognitive function over time.

The Benefits of Coffee for Brain Health

Before we cover the brain benefits of enjoying cinnamon with coffee, let’s first recap how and why coffee is so powerful on its own. According to Shaheen Lakhan, MDA board-certified neurologist based in Miami, Florida, coffee is more than just a morning pick-me-up.

“I can say with certainty that coffee offers several important benefits for brain health. Caffeine, the main active compound in coffee, acts as a stimulant that improves alertness, enhances concentration, and can boost short-term memory,” he explains. Coffee being a solid source of antioxidantsIt may also help protect brain cells from oxidative stress, which may help reduce the risk of degenerative brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, Dr. Lakhan says.

“Some studies have also suggested that regular coffee consumption may have protective effects on the brain and could potentially reduce the risk of stroke,” continues Dr. Lakhan. While more research is needed on the potential of coffee as a powerful dietary component to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Lankhan says that moderate coffee consumption “This could be a simple but effective way to invest in your long-term cognitive health.”

How Cinnamon and Coffee Can Help Improve Brain Health

Coffee is certainly great for brain health and cognition, but a few pinches of cinnamon can boost its benefits (not to mention the taste). “Cinnamon contains compounds that can help regulate blood sugar, which is essential for maintaining stable cognitive function throughout the day. It’s also rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that may contribute to long-term brain health,” says Dr. Lakhan.

According to a 2024 Review of 40 studies published in Nutritional neuroscienceCinnamon can significantly improve cognitive function, including learning and memory, and help prevent and reduce cognitive impairment. Previous research on mice “suggests that cinnamon may potentially help prevent or slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases (including Parkinson’s disease),” adds Dr. Lakhan, although more human research is needed to make conclusive claims.

Still, Dr. Lakhan recommends cinnamon-spiced coffee as a simple and safe way to bolster your brain’s defenses over the days and years. “It’s not just about the taste; it’s about giving your neurons an extra layer of protection,” he says.

Other Ways to Amplify Coffee’s Brain-Boosting Potential

Cinnamon with coffee is a simple hack to boost the cognitive and brain benefits of your brew, both daily and long-term. (ICYMI, this dynamic duo is also Gastro approved to support your gut health (regularly.) To take it a step further, consider the following tips to more effectively nourish your head, one cup at a time.

1. Avoid artificial sweeteners

When you spice up your coffee with cinnamon, you may also want to subtract artificial sweeteners to enhance the protective effects. “Some artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, sucralose and saccharin, have been associated with negative effects on gut bacteria, which could indirectly impact brain health via the gut-brain axis,” warns Dr. Lakhan.

2. Rethink your creamer

While you’re rethinking your coffee intake for the sake of your brain, it might also be a good idea to ditch flavored creamers. “Many of these contain high amounts of added sugars and unhealthy fats, which can contribute to inflammation and potentially increase the risk of cognitive decline over time,” he explains.

3. Keep your coffee as natural as possible

If cinnamon alone isn’t enough to satisfy your taste buds, Dr. Lakhan suggests opting for healthier alternatives to spice up your coffee. “For those who prefer their coffee with milk, opting for unsweetened plant-based milk or small amounts of regular milk would be a healthier choice than heavily sweetened or artificially flavored options,” he says.

When it comes to sweeteners, he suggests using small amounts of natural sweeteners or reducing them gradually. (The good news is that once you stop or limit your intake of added sugarsyour taste buds *and* your cravings can adapt in just six daysthus enhancing the flavor of your cinnamon-spiced coffee without the sweetness.)

“Your brain needs simplicity. A fresh cup of coffee is like a clear path for your neurons to fire at full capacity,” concludes Dr. Lakhan.