Cascara has so many health benefits it is hard to name them all! This post lists out 5 that we think may surprise you! Learn how coffee cherries work to improve brain health, enhance energy, reduce stress, and improve heart health.
1. Cascara Improves Brain Health
Cascara has been known to reduce chances of Alzheimers and other brain degenerative diseases. This is because it stimulates the production of drain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an incredibly important and naturally occurring chemical in the brain. BDNF helps strengthen neurons, dendrites, and synaptic processes. It is completely essential to cognitive function. Luckily, studies show consumption of cascara can more than double the presence of BDNF in the brain. This in turn strengthens all the components of your brain to protect it from Alzheimers, Schizophrenia, and other similarly aligned brain degenerative diseases. Studies show BDNF promoted through Cascara consumption not only protects the brain and strengthens its operations, but it improves overall cognitive performance.
2. Cascara Provide Sustained Focus & Energy
Thanks to Cascara's promotion of BDNF, coffee cherries help you think more effortlessly. Coffee cherries also contain caffeine, about as much as green tea, just enough to give you an edge, but not enough to give you a crash. That combined with BDNF, creates sustainable energy that lasts throughout the day without experiencing the sluggishness that might come from an energy drink.
3. Cascara Is Rich in Antioxidants
Cascara also boasts ridiculously high levels of antioxidants. Studies show coffee cherries have higher antioxidant levels then acai, pomegranates, and 8x more antioxidants than blueberries. Antioxidants reduce cellular damage, in fact they actually work to reverse aging through their protective properties and positive reaction with cellular structures like membranes, mitochondria and DNA. Antioxidants are known for having a slew of positive effects on the body, such as benefiting skin health, reducing inflammation, etc.
4. Cascara May Lower Stress and Anxiety
In addition, cascara contain's high amounts of chlorogenic acid, a compound that protects your cells and brain from stress. It literally reduces your body’s ability to produce stress hormones, naturally reducing anxiety and the same GABA-A receptors that are targeted by popular anti-anxiety drugs. Chlorogenic acid has also been known to help lower blood pressure and improve heart health.
5. May Promote Anti-Cancer Properties
Cascara is packed with all kinds of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals so it is no wonder that they may have anti-cancer properties by suppressing the growth and spread of cancer cells. In mice, cascara was shown to reduce tumor growth by 54% in just 10 days. They boast more protein than kale, more iron than spinach, and 4x the potassium as bananas, on top of being rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. All of these healthy benefits combine to have a rejuvenating impact on your body. In fact, cascara has also been shown to support gut health, cardiovascular health, and metabolic health.