Many ancient texts refer to amrita, a drink of the gods that grants immortality to those who drink it. Depending on the text you consult, amrita is described in different ways and with different flavors. Today, we know full well that amrita does not exist. However, David Céspedes, a physician and renowned expert on longevity, is certain that there are at least three drinks that do exactly the opposite of amrita. In other words, those who drink them grow older. And he is not referring to appearance, but to brain aging—which is even worse than having wrinkles when you are young.
What you shouldn’t drink for better mental health
Today, we have a longer life expectancy than a century ago. But we rarely stop to think about how we want to be when we are old. Medicine has advanced by leaps and bounds: many chronic diseases now have a cure, and some of the worst injuries can be repaired in a couple of hours in an operating room. Living longer is no longer a problem. The challenge is to live better.
For David Céspedes, it is extremely important that we reach old age while maintaining our mental faculties to the maximum. Céspedes has become quite well known for his ability to translate the complex biological mechanisms that occur in our bodies into practical advice. According to him, chronic inflammation and insulin spikes are kryptonite for our brains. He also claims that the main antagonists that damage this vital organ enter the body in liquid form.
The first item on Céspedes’ blacklist will come as no surprise to you. It is, as you may have guessed, alcohol. Although alcoholic beverages are socially acceptable, alcohol is a neurotoxin that crosses the blood-brain barrier and affects the hippocampus. In the long run, alcohol consumption damages the ability to form memories.
Céspedes believes that beer is the worst alcoholic beverage there is. Not only does it contain alcohol, but it is also highly inflammatory, raises uric acid levels, and causes us to accumulate visceral fat.
The second thing you should avoid is sugary drinks. The expert classifies them as “sugar bombs.” When we consume them, our body experiences a very high spike in blood glucose. The pancreas then releases large amounts of insulin.
Regular consumption of sugary drinks leads to insulin resistance. In other words, it is a precursor to type 2 diabetes. He also points to neurological studies that are beginning to link this phenomenon to Alzheimer’s disease. According to Céspedes, sugar causes brain inflammation, accelerating cognitive decline.
Finally, the expert advises against drinking commercial ready-made coffees. Yes, he is referring to both frappuccinos and ultra-processed coffee sold by chains such as Starbucks.
Although the expert points out that coffee alone has scientifically proven antioxidant properties, the same cannot be said for commercial beverages. The amount of sugar causes glucose spikes and insulin release that are equal to or worse than those we experience when consuming sugary drinks.
David Céspedes states that the glucose concentrates used to make these products pass directly into the bloodstream. He also believes that the cream and industrial additives used as complementary ingredients are unhealthy.
So what should we drink?
When asked this question, the expert does not simply recommend that we drink only water. As an alternative to soft drinks, the doctor believes that green tea is the best option. And if you don’t like tea, natural coffee (black or with milk) can also be an alternative.
For the more adventurous, the expert recommends beetroot juice. This drink is just the kind of “fuel” the brain wants, thanks to its nitric oxide content, which helps improve blood flow and thus mental performance.
In any case, the message is clear. Consume alcohol sporadically and eliminate it from your daily routine if it is a habit. Reduce your consumption of sugary drinks and cut out industrial coffees where sugar is the main ingredient.