Tag: neuroscience

#Diet

Moderate Coffee Intake Linked to Reduced Dementia Risk: Study Finds Two Cups a Day Optimal

allycaralgoa

Panaji | 10 February 2026: Coffee lovers may have another reason to savor their daily cup. A recent study published in the JAMA Network tracked over 130,000 participants for nearly 37 years and found a link between caffeinated coffee consumption and a reduced risk of dementia. The study also observed improved cognitive performance among regular coffee and tea drinkers.

According to physician-scientist Eric Topol, who shared the findings on X, the strongest protective benefits were seen with moderate intake—roughly two cups per day. Notably, decaffeinated coffee did not show the same benefits, highlighting caffeine’s potential role in supporting brain function.

Experts caution, however, that coffee is not a magic solution. Beyond two or three cups a day, no additional cognitive benefits were observed. Maintaining overall brain health through adequate sleep, physical activity, balanced nutrition, and social engagement remains essential. Coffee is best considered a supportive habit rather than a standalone preventive measure.

This long-term study adds to growing evidence that moderate caffeine consumption, when paired with healthy lifestyle practices, may be a simple yet effective tool for cognitive wellbeing.

Aight Sky

The Science of Stillness: How Yoga Impacts Your Brain and Nervous System

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Anupama Verma

In our increasingly hectic world, the ancient practice of yoga offers a profound antidote: stillness. More than a physical discipline, yoga is a neurological and emotional recalibration—a way to bring balance to our overstimulated minds and bodies.

When we engage in practices like asana, pranayama (breathwork), and meditation, we actively downregulate the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for the “fight or flight” response. This shift guides the body into the parasympathetic state—the “rest and digest” mode—where healing, recovery, and mental clarity can thrive.

Scientific research supports what yogis have known for centuries. Brain imaging studies using fMRI reveal that regular yoga practitioners develop increased grey matter in regions associated with self-awareness, compassion, and emotional regulation, such as the insula and prefrontal cortex. These changes enhance our ability to manage emotions, make decisions, and cultivate inner calm.

At the same time, yoga decreases activity in the amygdala, the brain’s center for fear and stress. This quieting of the amygdala helps reduce anxiety, lower cortisol levels, and promote a greater sense of stability. Through conscious breathwork, yoga also stimulates the vagus nerve, a key communication channel between the brain and the body that governs relaxation and emotional balance.

This neurobiological transformation extends far beyond the yoga mat. As the nervous system learns to find calm amid chaos, the brain becomes more resilient, focus sharpens, and memory improves. The science of stillness reveals that yoga is not just a spiritual or physical exercise—it’s a powerful tool for reshaping the way we think, feel, and respond to the world. In stillness, we find strength; in breath, we find balance; and in presence, we find peace.