09 February 2024 , 11:59
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For Brits, there's nothing quite like a good brew.
So, imagine finding out that your love of tea could actually be healthy. But, it's not just any old tea that can help boost brain health and potentially lower the risk of developing dementia later in life. It's green tea.
Scientists at the University of Leeds have revealed green tea contains a unique plant compound known as Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) that can break up potentially dangerous plaques in the blood vessels, lowering the risk of heart disease, and dementia.
A doctor has now also claimed that drinking three cups of green tea each day - between 200ml and 250ml each - could be enough to affect your brain health, reports the Express.
TV doctor Dr Michael Mosley said drinking green tea could bring a whole host of health benefits, not limited to just protecting against dementia. He told listeners of his BBC Radio 4 podcast Just One Thing: "There is one hot beverage that seems to have the edge especially when it comes to your brain health.
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"[Green tea] takes a bit of getting used to but that taste is actually the polyphenols in the tea which potentially boast some extra health perks, such as burning more fat when you exercise, boosting your mood and lowering your risk for heart disease and dementia."
The University of Newcastle's Dr Edward Okello also shared on a podcast that green tea could boost overall brain power, saying that EGCG was responsible for the effect. He said: "EGCG acts by boosting the levels acetylcholine, and that translates into improved cognitive function.
"We looked at tea consumption in people over 85 years old over a six-year period and has shown that tea consumption slows down the decline of cognition over time. But the amount of tea is what is more important, so in our study, we show that at least three cups of tea, as a minimum (a day) would be good for you."
Regular consumption of green tea could also support bone health, reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol. And when it comes to lowering the risk of Alzheimer's, the Alzheimer's Society reminds us staying active, exercising your mind, and maintaining social activity are superb ways to safeguard against dementia.
If you have any concerns about your health, speak to your GP.