As we grow older, our interest in the sharpness of our memory grows. We are looking at flashy supplements and healthy eating strategies to relieve anxiety and reduce the risk of dementia. However, you may not need to look farther than a tea cabinet to find a memory-enhancing treatment. A new study found that drinking three cups of tea a day correlates with a lower risk of dementia.
Take a closer look at the study
For research published in Translational psychiatry, Researchers have collected data from 500,000 participants enrolled in the UK Biobank Study. (UK Biobank is a biomedical database based on medical and genetic information from volunteers, which researchers around the world use to carry out their own research.)
After narrowing down the volunteers based on specific criteria, the researchers included data from 377,592 participants in the study. Volunteers were between the ages of 45 and 73 and agreed to follow up nine years later. Those who were diagnosed with dementia at the beginning of the study were excluded.
All volunteers answered the “How many cups of tea do you drink a day?” Questionnaire. And “What type?” (Green or black). Based on this information, researchers have categorized volunteers into six categories. From those who didn’t drink tea to those who drank more than 9 cups daily.
After analyzing the health of volunteers nine years later, researchers found that people who drink tea are 16% less likely to develop dementia than those who do not. People who drank 3-4 cups a day had the lowest risk.
However, not all tea drinkers have enjoyed the benefits. People who drank too much (more than 6 glasses a day) were at the same risk of dementia as those who did not drink. (Everything is moderate!)
Why does tea reduce your risk of dementia?
Researchers theorize that black and green teas contain antioxidants. This can reduce the amount of oxidative stress on the brain. (Oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Too many free radicals can cause excessive cell damage.) Antioxidants cause inflammation of the brain (nerve inflammation). May be mitigated. Onset of dementia.
Researchers also believe that caffeine does more than just “wake up the brain.” It may protect against what is called neuroischemic injury, or damage to cells caused by low blood flow. In other words, caffeine can help promote circulation in the brain and promote healthy memory function.
Of course, research is not without its limits. Volunteers self-reported their tea consumption, which questioned the accuracy of their answers. Also, tea cups were loosely defined. For example, one volunteer might have thought of a cup as a giant mug, while another volunteer might have thought of it as a teacup.
Still, the results are impressive and there are benefits to drinking tea! From adding sweet coconut milk to green tea to making iced black tea with milk and honey, it’s easy to find a delicious way to dress it up. (Remember to check with your doctor before adding caffeine tea to your diet, especially if you are taking medications for asthma, seizures, or diabetes. Click here for a complete list of caffeine interactions. Please look.)
Also, if you’re looking for other easy ways to reduce your risk of dementia, check out these tips.
