Every day green tea consumption might aid you in maintaining brain function. Particularly in preventing cerebral white matter lesions—changes in the brain often linked with aging and dementia—a recent study published in NPJ Science of Food by Japanese researchers clarifies the putative brain-protective qualities of green tea.
The Facts:
- Three or more cups of green tea daily—about 600 mL—markedly less these lesions than one cup.
- Coffee had no effect on white matter lesions or brain volume; black tea was omitted because of a small sample size of frequent consumers.
Brain Health and Aging
Our brains naturally alter with age; they shrink and white matter lesions develop. Given its relation to Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, prevention of these lesions is crucial for normal aging. Although both coffee and tea include antioxidants and polyphenols, their precise effects on the brain have not been established until recently.
There were 8,766 Japanese people 65 years of age and above in the research; none of them had dementia. Researchers evaluated individuals’ use of coffee, black tea, and green tea using brain MRI scans and thorough dietary questionnaires. They next examined how indices of brain health—including white matter lesions, hippocampal volume, and total brain volume—along with beverage intake interacted.
“Our results show green tea as a possibly simple and effective way to support brain health and lower risks associated with cognitive decline,” lead researcher Dr. Shutaro Shibata stated.
Green tea: why?
Strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties exist in green tea from catechins. These compounds could counteract the oxidative stress and vascular damage generating white matter lesions. Moreover, green tea’s ability to lower blood pressure—a main risk factor for brain changes—probably plays a role. Coffee’s higher caffeine level may so counteract some of its benefits by somewhat boosting blood pressure.
Including green tea in your daily regimen might be a smart decision for people trying to boost brain function. Dr. Shibata pointed out, that, “while our study provides strong evidence for green tea’s benefits, further research is needed to confirm these findings in diverse populations.”
This research opens the door to exploring how dietary habits influence brain health across different cultures and lifestyles. Given that this study focused on older adults in Japan, future studies could examine whether these benefits hold true for younger individuals or those with different genetic and dietary backgrounds.
In the meantime, why not brew a cup of green tea? With its myriad health benefits and now potential brain-protective effects, it might just be the perfect addition to your day.
For more information, visit: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41538-024-00364-w
