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Green Tea’s Role In Fighting Dementia-Linked Brain Lesions

A recent study from Japan has strengthened the evidence supporting the health benefits of green tea, particularly in relation to brain health. Published in npj Science of Food, the research indicates that older adults who consumed green tea regularly had fewer cerebral white matter lesions, a condition often associated with cognitive decline and dementia. This suggests that drinking green tea may help lower the risk of dementia.

The study involved almost 9,000 adults from the Japan Prospective Studies Collaboration for Aging and Dementia. Researchers assessed participants’ daily green tea and coffee consumption, grouping them into categories based on the amount they drank. They also conducted MRI scans to examine brain health, focusing on white matter lesions and overall brain volume. After adjusting for factors like age, education, and lifestyle, the results revealed that higher green tea intake was linked to fewer cerebral white matter lesions.

Green tea is rich in catechins, especially EGCG, which are antioxidants believed to protect the brain by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and the accumulation of harmful amyloid proteins. The researchers suggest these properties may explain the observed benefits of green tea. Interestingly, no such link was found with coffee consumption, which may point to the unique neuroprotective effects of green tea’s compounds.

However, the study has some limitations. It was cross-sectional, so it cannot prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship between green tea consumption and the reduction in brain lesions. Additionally, the study did not account for brewing methods or whether participants consumed tea with food. The results did not apply to those with the APOE e4 allele, a genetic variant linked to higher dementia risk, or individuals with depression, suggesting that these factors may limit the benefits of green tea.

Experts advise further studies to explore the long-term effects of green tea on brain health in diverse populations, taking into account genetic and lifestyle differences. While green tea may offer some protection against cognitive decline, it’s important to consume it in moderation, as excessive intake can lead to side effects like insomnia or digestive issues.