Beautiful post Dr. Annie, thanks. I’ve always wondered if there are any brain benefits from rosemary infusions ? I do have a lovely plant in my garden.
Your newsletter has become one of my absolute favorites. It is always so informative and so practical!! I really appreciate the direct, straightforward advice and guidance you provide. I am eager to get your tea recommendations! Thank you!!
Another shout out for tea. This is slightly off topic, but I gave up alcohol 'in solidarity' after a friend had a seizure a few years ago. I also have a mother with Mild Cognitive Impairment and a novel that I hope meets the world one day. I noticed that having a glass of something alcoholic had become the way I said goodbye to the work day and hello to the non(paid) work day. Now the way I tell myself 'hey, the workday is done' is herbal tea (I understand now that it's not 'real' tea!). It's a much better fit for how I most want my days (and years) to go.
I just ordered up 5 copies of BHK for Mother's Day for some friends, my sister, and my parents.
Hi Kelly! Drinking tea is a wonderful way to transition out of the work day. I love that you are using herbal tea instead of alcohol—such a brain healthy habit! Thanks for sharing the BHK book—I so appreciate that!
Thanks Annie another great piece. I’ve been inspired this week and drinking the green tea that’s been lurking at the back of my cupboard. I’m not that keen on it but I’ve noticed over the week I’m liking it more. I’m going to try some of the tips in the comments like lemon juice or mint leaves.
Hi Nicola. Yes the taste takes a little getting used to. I also had to be patient when I started drinking green tea and now I really enjoy the flavor. Taste buds can be trained!
Enjoyed reading this before my first cup, so that will be coffee now so I don't deplete the nutrients from my fruit, nuts, & overnight oats. I generally drink coffee in the morning & tea later in the day, but had actually planned on a green match this morning. Glad I read this first!
I was a bit confused (brain fog before coffee?). Even tho 3 - 5 cups of coffee was similar to 3 - 5 cups of tea, the best combo to lower dementia risk is 1 cup of coffee and the rest tea?
Yes 1 cup coffee then tea, but that was just one study. I would say that the data on drinking coffee up to about 4/d is very positive in supporting brain health. Luckily, the tea data is catching up. I guess the take home message is the more of either you drink up to a certain point, the more polyphenols and the better brain healthy outcomes.
Looking forward to the checklist! I would love a day in the life of what you eat or like a weekly idea of what you eat for some tips for me. Thanks for all that you do!
Hi Annie, I am learning so much from your Substack feed! Do you think you could do a post about brain friendly snacks that are good to pack when traveling? Sometimes it’s hard to find healthy snacks when hunger strikes! Thanks Annie!
Same here. Also great is the button (I have to click the 3 dots at the top of the post) to 'save' articles to read for later. This is perfect for having some to-reads I'm looking forward to.
Oh, also - I saw the comment someone else made on the last newsletter about green tea limiting absorption of nutrients. I usually drink mine right before breakfast and I’m eager to know if I need to change this. Thank you!
Thanks for the great article, Annie! I had a hard time adjusting to green tea at first but now I drink it every morning (Rishi Matcha) combined with a tea bag of ginger tea. It didn’t occur to me that adding anything could reduce the positive impact of green tea, as you explained about dairy. Is the ginger an issue? I hope not but I’ll adjust if it is. Thanks and enjoy Italy!
. Thank you for including information about decaf coffee. Based on newsletter last week, I bought the Rishi tea you recommended. I am having my 1st cup in the morning, then I switch to decaf coffee, I just like the taste best. But I’m enjoying the tea.
Thanks for another great article, Annie! I was wondering if you know whether kombucha can be considered a black tea in regards to polyphenol content? Thank you!
Thank you for the information! Instead of honey, today I added some peppermint leaves to my green tea in the pot to enhance the flavor without sweeteners. Tastes great! Enjoy Italy!
This is such great information Annie! Thanks for doing the hard work of putting all the facts together in an easy-to-understand “language”.
Question: On the topic of warm beverages, I have been really enjoying MUD/WTR and I wonder if you have thoughts about these kinds of drinks?
Are you familiar? It is a Masala Chai mixed with:
Cacao, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga, Reishi, Cinnamon, Tumeric and some Himalayan Salt. I put it in home made oat-milk with a tiny bit of Manuka Honey. Yummm. Any thoughts on these types of beverages? (Several companies make similar concoctions)!
Hi Cynda! I love all those ingredients and it sounds delicious, I should try it. There are so many food products marketed for health, it’s hard to know! The nutrition label will tell you if added sugar or binders are an issue. A lot of companies will divulge polyphenol content, too, if you email them, but are not likely to put it in the package.
Beautiful post Dr. Annie, thanks. I’ve always wondered if there are any brain benefits from rosemary infusions ? I do have a lovely plant in my garden.
Thank you Luz! We are going to get into herbal teas in Part 4!!!
You read my thoughts ! Looking forward to it.
Your newsletter has become one of my absolute favorites. It is always so informative and so practical!! I really appreciate the direct, straightforward advice and guidance you provide. I am eager to get your tea recommendations! Thank you!!
Kate, thanks for making my day. Truly! Thanks for being here.
Another shout out for tea. This is slightly off topic, but I gave up alcohol 'in solidarity' after a friend had a seizure a few years ago. I also have a mother with Mild Cognitive Impairment and a novel that I hope meets the world one day. I noticed that having a glass of something alcoholic had become the way I said goodbye to the work day and hello to the non(paid) work day. Now the way I tell myself 'hey, the workday is done' is herbal tea (I understand now that it's not 'real' tea!). It's a much better fit for how I most want my days (and years) to go.
I just ordered up 5 copies of BHK for Mother's Day for some friends, my sister, and my parents.
Hi Kelly! Drinking tea is a wonderful way to transition out of the work day. I love that you are using herbal tea instead of alcohol—such a brain healthy habit! Thanks for sharing the BHK book—I so appreciate that!
Thanks Annie another great piece. I’ve been inspired this week and drinking the green tea that’s been lurking at the back of my cupboard. I’m not that keen on it but I’ve noticed over the week I’m liking it more. I’m going to try some of the tips in the comments like lemon juice or mint leaves.
Hi Nicola. Yes the taste takes a little getting used to. I also had to be patient when I started drinking green tea and now I really enjoy the flavor. Taste buds can be trained!
Enjoyed reading this before my first cup, so that will be coffee now so I don't deplete the nutrients from my fruit, nuts, & overnight oats. I generally drink coffee in the morning & tea later in the day, but had actually planned on a green match this morning. Glad I read this first!
I was a bit confused (brain fog before coffee?). Even tho 3 - 5 cups of coffee was similar to 3 - 5 cups of tea, the best combo to lower dementia risk is 1 cup of coffee and the rest tea?
Yes 1 cup coffee then tea, but that was just one study. I would say that the data on drinking coffee up to about 4/d is very positive in supporting brain health. Luckily, the tea data is catching up. I guess the take home message is the more of either you drink up to a certain point, the more polyphenols and the better brain healthy outcomes.
Looking forward to the checklist! I would love a day in the life of what you eat or like a weekly idea of what you eat for some tips for me. Thanks for all that you do!
Hi Amita, that would be fun. I have been thinking about doing some easy meal plans for summer too.
Hi Annie, I am learning so much from your Substack feed! Do you think you could do a post about brain friendly snacks that are good to pack when traveling? Sometimes it’s hard to find healthy snacks when hunger strikes! Thanks Annie!
Hi Joanna, so glad to hear. Yes, I wrote about snacks here: https://brainhealthkitchen.substack.com/p/10-brain-healthy-travel-snacks-worth
You can search other topics by going to the home or archive page and typing into the search button: https://brainhealthkitchen.substack.com/
Thanks Annie! I’ll go back and check out the post. Thanks for the tip on how to search too!
You bet. Most people don't realize substack is also a website where everything is archived. I love that about it.
Same here. Also great is the button (I have to click the 3 dots at the top of the post) to 'save' articles to read for later. This is perfect for having some to-reads I'm looking forward to.
Great tip! Thanks Kelly.
Looking forward to the BHK checklist!
Oh, also - I saw the comment someone else made on the last newsletter about green tea limiting absorption of nutrients. I usually drink mine right before breakfast and I’m eager to know if I need to change this. Thank you!
Yes, it does to some degree. I am writing abou that for the next post.
P.S. - how does this impact using green tea in recipes (like matcha granola)?
Yikes! Ok, thanks. I’ll be eager to hear more.
Thanks for the great article, Annie! I had a hard time adjusting to green tea at first but now I drink it every morning (Rishi Matcha) combined with a tea bag of ginger tea. It didn’t occur to me that adding anything could reduce the positive impact of green tea, as you explained about dairy. Is the ginger an issue? I hope not but I’ll adjust if it is. Thanks and enjoy Italy!
Hi Deb! I will have to try that! I don't think it is an issue. Dairy protein. is notorious for sticking to things.
Ok!
I drank green tea while reading this 😜Thanks for another great article!
Awesome Susie! I often have a cup while reading too.
. Thank you for including information about decaf coffee. Based on newsletter last week, I bought the Rishi tea you recommended. I am having my 1st cup in the morning, then I switch to decaf coffee, I just like the taste best. But I’m enjoying the tea.
Hi Liz! That sounds like a good routine. Rishi is super high quality.
Thanks for another great article, Annie! I was wondering if you know whether kombucha can be considered a black tea in regards to polyphenol content? Thank you!
Hi Rachel. I am addressing kombucha in part 2. Great question!
Thank you for the information! Instead of honey, today I added some peppermint leaves to my green tea in the pot to enhance the flavor without sweeteners. Tastes great! Enjoy Italy!
Thanks Elisa! And this is such a great tip for cutting back on sugar.
This is such great information Annie! Thanks for doing the hard work of putting all the facts together in an easy-to-understand “language”.
Question: On the topic of warm beverages, I have been really enjoying MUD/WTR and I wonder if you have thoughts about these kinds of drinks?
Are you familiar? It is a Masala Chai mixed with:
Cacao, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Chaga, Reishi, Cinnamon, Tumeric and some Himalayan Salt. I put it in home made oat-milk with a tiny bit of Manuka Honey. Yummm. Any thoughts on these types of beverages? (Several companies make similar concoctions)!
Thanks again for all you do to help our brains!
Cynda
Hi Cynda! I love all those ingredients and it sounds delicious, I should try it. There are so many food products marketed for health, it’s hard to know! The nutrition label will tell you if added sugar or binders are an issue. A lot of companies will divulge polyphenol content, too, if you email them, but are not likely to put it in the package.
Definitely curious about this too.
great info on tea! I am also excited for the checklist. I think that will be very helpful!
Enjoy Italy!
Thank you so much Iris!