Coffee Vs Green Tea, Which Is Better For Brain Health?

JAKARTA - When talking about brain health, many people try various ways. Starting from food, exercise, to a healthy lifestyle. But one thing that is often debated is which antioxidant-rich drink is the best for brain health, coffee or green tea?

Most people believe that a cup of coffee in the morning is the best way to activate the brain and keep your focus all day long.

On the other hand, many also argue that green tea is superior because it can gently increase energy, remove toxins in the body, and support cognitive functions. Then, which one is actually better for the brain?

Reporting from the Times of India page, coffee is not just a morning habit, but also a strong ally for brain health. For some people, coffee is the only way to really wake you up.

Research shows coffee consumption is routinely associated with a decrease in plaque buildup in the brain. This is one of the main causes of brain aging and Alzheimer's disease.

A study published in PubMed Central entitled A Cup of Coffee for a Brain Long Life states that coffee contains more than 1,000 bioactive compounds, including caffeine, polyphenols, antioxidants, and trigonnellines. These compounds have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anticancer effects, and protect the heart.

Interestingly, the study also found that coffee consumption could reduce the risk of Alzheimer's to 65% and Parkinson's to 29%.

But of course, there is a negative side. Caffeine in coffee can interfere with the absorption of iron, interact with osteoporosis drugs, to reduce the effectiveness of some antibiotics if taken at the same time.

Meanwhile, green tea has its own advantage. Not only increasing focus, but also providing a calmer and more balanced energy.

A study entitled A Longitudinal Cohort Study Demonstrating the Beneficial Effect of Moderate Consumption of Green Tea and Coffee on the Prevention of Dementia: The JPHC Saku Mental Health Study found drinking 23 cups of green tea per day could reduce the risk of a decrease in cognitive function by 44% compared to those who did not drink at all.

However, this benefit is felt more in the elderly group, while in young people the effect is not too significant. Interestingly, drinking more (more than 4 cups per day) does not add additional benefits. So in this case, more does not mean better.

According to Dr. Robert Lowe, a neurologist, coffee is a natural cognitive improvement thanks to its caffeine content that helps improve focus, memory, and attention range.

In addition, coffee is rich in polyphenols, a compound that gives coffee dark colors as well as supports the health of the intestines. The relationship between the intestines and the brain (gult-brain axis) is proven to be very important in maintaining cognitive function.

Lowe also added that if you want maximum benefits, you should choose organic coffee to avoid exposure to pesticides commonly found in ordinary coffee beans. Use water without fluoride or distilled products when brewing for the best results.

As for green tea, Dr. Lowe emphasized the role of L-theanine, an amino acid that provides a calm and relaxation effect, without eliminating vigilance. This combination of caffeine and L-theanine makes balanced drink green tea increase focus without any restless effects like coffee.

Green tea is also rich in polyphenols that support the health of the intestines, and in the end, menutris the brain through the intestinal communication pathway.

So Which One Is Better For Brain Health?

Both coffee and green tea have great benefits for brain health. Coffee provides strong stimulation that helps stay focused and energized, while green tea offers more refined and calming energy.

"In the end, the best choice is the one you enjoy the most." said Dr. Lowe.

In other words, both coffee and green tea can be the right choice, depending on your needs, preferences, and the way your body responds to both of them.