“Doctor, is coffee good or bad for my brain?”

I get this question regularly in clinic, and my answer is always “it depends…”

Recently, I overheard someone saying they’d stopped drinking coffee because they’d read it was “full of toxins.”

Meanwhile, another person was ordering their fifth espresso of the day, claiming it helped their focus!

Both approaches made me realise how much confusion exists around coffee and brain health.

The truth? Coffee can be both beneficial and problematic – depending on timing, quantity, quality, and individual sensitivity.

This week, let me share some surprising brain benefits of coffee that might change how you think about your daily brew!

📍Coffee’s Hidden Brain Benefits

Coffee isn’t just about caffeine – it’s a complex mixture of over 1,000 bioactive compounds that can support brain function in fascinating ways.

Recent research shows that regular coffee consumption is associated with reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and stroke. (A reminder though, that association does not equal causation)

The benefits go beyond possible disease prevention – coffee can enhance your day-to-day cognitive performance too — with caveats covered in next week’s Thursday Tips!

📍3 Brain Benefits of Coffee You Probably Didn’t Know

🌟1️⃣ Fibre Boost for Your Gut-Brain Connection

Here’s something that surprises many: coffee is actually a source of soluble fibre.

Brewed coffee contains 0.47-0.75 grams of soluble dietary fibre per 100 mL – that’s more fibre than orange juice! (But I don’t recommend orange juice anyway, due to the impact on blood sugar…)

This soluble fibre feeds beneficial gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, which benefit brain health.

The gut-brain connection means that supporting your microbiome through coffee’s prebiotic fibres can influence mood, cognition, and even serotonin production – 95% of your body’s serotonin is made in the gut.

🌟2️⃣ Natural Mood Enhancement Through Neurotransmitters

Caffeine increases the amount of dopamine in our brain – a “feel-good” neurotransmitter that enhances mood.

And it’s not just dopamine. Caffeine also increases the release of neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, increasing alertness and energy.

🌟3️⃣ Brain Cell Protection and Growth

Coffee contains powerful compounds that directly support brain cell health and even encourage new brain cell formation.

The polyphenols in coffee, particularly chlorogenic acid, act as antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation whilst supporting healthy neurotransmitter systems.

Coffee could potentially boost BDNF – often called “fertiliser for the brain” – which supports neuroplasticity and the growth of new neural connection. Though research on this is based on studies of coffee fruit extract rather than brewed coffee.

📍But, Wait!

Before you start drinking or increase your coffee intake – look out for next week’s edition on some cautions and avoiding downsides!

📍Question for you today

Which of these brain benefits surprised you most?

Wishing you cognitive clarity with every sip,

Dr Sui Wong

PS – Don’t miss next week’s edition on tips to avoid the downsides of coffee (and decide for yourself if being abstinent is your preferred choice). Got a question about coffee that you’d like me to cover next week? Just reply to this email, and your message will come straight to me 🙂

PPS – Am I saying you should (or should not) drink coffee? Neither! I’m saying to consider this based on your individual circumstances. Today’s and next week’s Thursday Tips are intended to keep you informed with the pros and cons so you can decide for yourself!

*References: PMID 17295507, 33374338, 26167297, 33498314

Dr Sui Wong

Registered Address: 95 High Street HA8 7DB, United Kingdom. http://www.drsuiwongmd.com

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