Green tea is known to aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism and burning fat. However, this new study also highlights its potential in supporting mental health.
Green tea is already widely recognized for its effectiveness in weight loss.
Consuming green tea can help us maintain good brain health According to a study published in NPJ Science of Food, green tea has shown the potential to offer protective benefits for brain health. Research shows that drinking can play a role in protecting cognitive function as we age. Let’s consider the results of this research on the benefits of this popular drink.
The effect of green tea on brain health
Green tea is already widely recognized for its effectiveness in weight loss. This new study extends the known benefits of green tea, showing that it may also play an important role in promoting mental health. Although its role in weight management is well established, this research highlights green tea’s ability to protect cognitive function and prevent age-related cognitive decline.
Tea consumption may benefit brain health by reducing the occurrence of brain white matter lesions. As people age, the brain can experience problems like these lesions, which are often associated with small vessel diseases. These conditions are associated with cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s, and vascular dementia. The American Brain Foundation explains that small-vessel diseases occur when the arteries in the brain become narrowed due to inflammation or the accumulation of misfolded proteins. Additionally, the study examined the size of the hippocampus, an important brain region responsible for memory.
What is the recommended amount to use?
The results of the research revealed that those who drank green tea had less white matter lesions in the brain. After analyzing the data, the researchers recommended specific amounts of green tea. Participants who drank 600 ml of green tea per day showed 3 percent less brain damage (white matter lesions) than those who drank 200 ml or less. This suggests that drinking about three cups of green tea per day may be beneficial. The study also found that green tea is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, especially epiglucatechin gallate, which may help reduce vascular damage in the brain.
Interestingly, coffee was also compared in this study and the results showed that unlike green tea, coffee had no significant effect in reducing white matter lesions. This finding provides an additional reason to consider green tea over coffee, as it offers more potential health benefits for mental health.