How to drink your brain healthy with green tea
An ancient remedy
Green tea, revered for centuries in various cultures, has recently garnered significant attention in the scientific community for its impressive health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, green tea is heralded for its potential in promoting overall well-being and preventing a range of health issues.
Numerous studies indicate that regular consumption of green tea may contribute to a healthier cardiovascular system. The polyphenols in green tea help reduce cholesterol levels and improve blood vessel function, consequently lowering the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, research suggests that green tea may aid in weight management by enhancing metabolic rates and fat oxidation, making it a popular choice among those seeking to maintain a healthy weight.
Anti-inflammatory
One of the most compelling aspects of green tea is its anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is linked to many diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. The antioxidants in green tea can helps to combat oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of such conditions. Preliminary studies suggest that consuming green tea is associated with a lower risk of developing certain types of cancer, particularly breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers.
Cognitive benefits
Moreover, emerging research highlights the potential cognitive benefits of green tea. Consuming regularly has been linked to improved brain function and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, enhances relaxation without causing drowsiness, contributing to improved focus and cognitive performance.
A research study from Kanazawa University explored the relationship between consuming green tea and cerebral white matter lesions in older adults without dementia.
The study demonstrated that higher consumption of green tea (three or more glasses daily) is associated with a lower volume of cerebral white matter lesions (WML). Sadly, no significant impact of coffee consumption on WML was found.
The study suggests that drinking green tea may help protect brain health, particularly in older adults.
Cerebral white matter lesions are potentially linked to small vessel disease and cognitive decline, including vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Tea and coffee are widely consumed, known for their neuroprotective properties, yet direct structural brain change associations in older adults had been under-researched.
What does the research say?
The study was part of the Japan Prospective Studies Collaboration for Aging and Dementia, involving eight centres and 8,766 participants aged 65 and older.
Data collected included dietary assessments (using a Food Frequency Questionnaire), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and cognitive evaluations from 2016 to 2018.
Participants were categorised based on daily green tea and coffee intake.
MRI scans provided measurements for WML volume, hippocampal volume (HV), and total brain volume (TBV).
After adjusting for various factors (demographics, health status, lifestyle, genetic risk), higher green tea intake correlated with lower WML volumes.
Specifically, those who consumed 600 ml of green tea daily had WML volumes 3% lower than those who drank 200 ml or less, and a 6% reduction was noted for those consuming 1,500 ml.
No correlation was identified between green tea and changes in hippocampal or total brain volumes.
Make it a staple in a balanced diet
Green tea consumption may offer protective benefits for brain health in older adults, while coffee did not display significant associations with brain structure in this study. Further investigation is warranted, especially regarding other factors such as depression and overall cognitive health.
Although these results are interesting, a large body of evidence does support the overall health benefits of the regular consumption of all forms of tea and coffee, including a number of studies suggesting a reduced risk for Alzheimer’s disease & Parkinson’s with 2-3 cups of coffee or regular tea on a daily basis.
While further research is warranted to fully understand the extent of green tea’s health benefits, the existing evidence supports its inclusion as a staple in a balanced diet. A cup of green tea not only offers a refreshing beverage choice but also serves as a simple, delightful way to boost overall health and longevity. As we continue to explore the links between nutrition and health, green tea stands out as an accessible and health-promoting option for many.