Ingredient In Coffee Improves Your Memory (It’s NOT Caffeine)

If you think the caffeine in your morning cup o’ joe is solely responsible for its coveted brain-boosting benefits, you’re 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 don’t know about.

I’m 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 it’s often a key factor in chronic diseases, especially in the brain.

You see, breakthrough research confirms that amyloid plaques – the misfolded proteins that are a key symptom of Alzheimer’s disease – 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 Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, 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 body’s 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 can’t 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. Here’s what I recommend:

  1. 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 don’t use any synthetic chemicals or fertilizers. I also suggest looking for “Fairtrade” on the label. This protects traditional small coffee farmers.
  2. Drink it fresh. Grind your coffee at the time you wish to drink it. This maximizes the flavor and prevents oxidation. Coffee’s healing properties are best when brewed fresh.
  3. 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 you’re 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:

  1. Buchholz K. “How many cups of coffee do Americans drink each day?” January 2023. https://www.statista.com/chart/19524/cups-of-coffee-drunk-by-americans-per-day/ Accessed on November 30, 2023.
  2. Sherman S, et al. “Caffeine Enhances Memory Performance in Young Adults during Their Non-optimal Time of Day.” Front Psychol. 2016; 7: 1764.
  3. Borota D, et al. “Post-study caffeine administration enhances memory consolidation in humans.” Nat Neurosci. 2014 Feb;17(2):201-3.
  4. Nehlig, A. “Is caffeine a cognitive enhancer? J Alzheimer’s Dis. 2010;20(S1):S85-S94.
  5. 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.
  6. Aktar S, et al. “Transcriptomics 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.” GeroScience. 2023.
  7. Zia S, et al. “Unlocking therapeutic potential of trigonelline through molecular docking as a promising approach for treating diverse neurological disorders.” Metabolic Brain Disease. 2023.
  8. Chowdhury A, et al. “Trigonelline insulates against oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokines and restores BDNF levels in lipopolysaccharide induced cognitive impairment in adult mice.” Metab Brain Dis. 2018;33(3):681-691.
  9. Pizzino G, et al. “Oxidative stress: Harms and benefits for human health.” Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017:8416763.