Coffee: It's Good for the Brain!

This morning I was flipping through Real Simple over my morning oatmeal and coffee and skimming the article on Brain Boosters. Any groggy, non-morning person will appreciate the appeal of suggestions aimed at improving mental sharpness. Low and behold, tip number two caught my eye as I sipped my caffeinated joy: "Drink Coffee." Well, sure! I'll say yes to any study that helps me justify my utter failure to give up coffee this year. The study cited in the article noted that "avid coffee drinking" (three to five cups per day) of caffeinated joe parallel less "cognitive decline." Why, we ask? The possible reason, and the reason I mention it here, is the magnesium present in coffee. Magnesium "decreases the chances of type 2 diabetes, an illness correlated with dementia. And a cup of joe is loaded with antioxidants, which help protect brain cells from free-radical damage."  Interesting to me is that I often hear recommendations to include magnesium supplements as a means to combat migraines. I regularly take a magnesium oxide supplement (Mag-Ox 400) on the recommendation of my doctor, and I've heard other magnesium formulations promoted from other sources as well. Coffee connection? I'm not sure. It may not be a good enough reason to drink more coffee, but it's certainly giving me a good reason to keep enjoying the coffee habit I already enjoy!