While many people rely on coffee to give them energy and vitality each morning, a recent study in Japan found that older adults who regularly drink green tea have fewer proteins associated with dementia in the white matter of their brains.
While there are several studies showing that coffee has anti-inflammatory effects, it does not have the same long-term benefits as green tea, according to a study reported by the British newspaper The Telegraph.
The study involved about 8 participants aged over 000, who had data collected on their green tea consumption, and underwent magnetic resonance brain scans to observe the effects of the drink on the brain.
Researchers found that regular consumption of green tea decreased levels of proteins associated with dementia in the white matter of the brain.
The team noted that green tea contains an antioxidant, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which reduces inflammation that spreads throughout the body and brain, which is responsible for dementia.
Rob Hobson, a British nutritionist who participated in the study, advises: "In addition to direct brain changes, green tea has the ability to reduce blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for problems in the white matter of the brain."
However, just one cup is not enough to reduce the risks, says Hobson, who points out that the study shows that the greatest benefits come from drinking three to eight cups of green tea per day.
Previous studies have also highlighted the many benefits of green tea, the most important being weight loss, thanks to its components that promote the breakdown of fat cells. While we tend to add milk or sugar to coffee, which increases the calories, green tea is usually consumed without any additions, thus maintaining a minimum of calories and maximum levels of antioxidants.
