Drink green tea for brain health and protective benefits.

Green tea has many powerful polyphenols (compounds) that protect the brain. Catechins are one group. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is one of the most potent brain-protecting compounds available. Brain tests given after patients drank green tea or were given EGCG supplements demonstrated better memory performance and reduced psychological stress.

Green Tea Brain Health

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea#1.-Contains-healthy-bioactive-compounds. Green tea is being used to improve brain function, lose weight and fat, protect against cancer and heart disease. Green tea contains caffeine – not as much as a typical cup of coffee, though.

Caffeine blocks adenosine to improve the functions of dopamine and norepinephrine (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1356551/) and https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-0773.1995.tb00111.x). Green tea also contains L-theanine that inhibits another neurotransmitter, GABA, gamma-aminobutyric acid (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17182482/).

The compounds in green tea protect many parts of the brain. Animal studies show extended life and a reduction in neurodegenerative diseases. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15350981/ and https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6493995/.

Studies in humans have demonstrated lower risks of mild cognitive impairment and progression to other neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. In addition, green tea, rather than oolong or black tea, appears to be more neuroprotective. People who drank three or more cups of green tea daily scored better on cognition, memory, processing speed, and executive function.

For example, progression loss of motor function (tremors, slower movement, for example) is seen in Parkinson’s disease. In addition, green tea studies (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7504552/) also demonstrate the neuroprotective capability of green tea to reduce the risk of Parkinson’s.

Studies of green tea drinkers (Japanese) concur with the amount of green tea and the level of protection and improved health. Nearly 15,000 Japanese green tea drinkers over the age of 60 were followed for years. Five cups of green tea daily showed approximately a one-third reduction in risk of functional impairment compared to those drinking less than one cup daily.

Conclusion

I drink green tea daily (along with five other teas). It is inexpensive, easy to make, and has a taste. Some tea, like beer, tastes like water (to me). I prefer Pu-her and pouchong because they are fermented, and there is more flavor, but green tea, by itself, is pleasant, enjoyable, and I know that I have extra protection for the neurons in my brain. I will be arriving at the age of 75 shortly and can use all the help I can find.

Live Longer & Enjoy Life! – Red O’Laughlin – RedOLaughlin.com

 

 

 

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