According to a recent study conducted in China, there has been a marked increase in the number of patients diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease as the world’s population ages.
The World Health Organization estimates that the number of those suffering from such neurodegenerative diseases will increase from 46.8 million in 2015 to an estimated 131.5 million by 2050.
Researchers have found that genetics, oxidative stress, inflammation, and other factors can contribute to such neurodegenerative diseases. However, there is a great deal of epidemiological evidence that points to tea’s potential in slowing down cognitive impairment from age.
A study conducted in Japan found that participants over the age of 65 consuming tea at least once per day significantly reduced incidences of cognitive impairment. Data from the same study showed that drinking at least one cup of tea daily, helped participants in terms of attention, balance, gait, and other regular daily activities.
The best teas for these improvements were green, oolong, and black tea, However, people 70 years of age and older seemed to require more tea to produce the same neuroprotective effects.
Multiple studies around the world show that tea catechins have the potential to reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, and amyloid plaque formation, which can contribute to neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Catechins make up a major part of tea phenols (TPs) in all teas, particularly in green tea. The TPs in green tea contain the highest levels of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and neuroprotective properties. They can significantly reduce the effects of the day-to-day stresses or free radicals that our bodies encounter in the environment. Antioxidants protect our brain cells and can slow degeneration that can occur because of stress.
Tea also protects the brain by:
Increasing Blood Flow to the Brain
Studies have shown a powerful sign that tea consumption can enhance blood flow to the brain. This increased cerebral blood flow is likely because of the TPs’ ability to improve the function of the lining of blood vessels known as the endothelium.
Having better blood flow to the brain ensures that it gets enough oxygen and nutrients. This increased blood flow can also help reduce the risk of clot formation, which can aid in stroke prevention.
Reducing Metals within the Brain
According to a study at Philosopher University in Slovakia, as a person gets older, metals such as iron, copper, and zinc increase and create neurotoxicity, which can lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
Tea has shown great promise in chelating or removing these metals that accumulate and cause the formation of amyloid plaques that can cause such conditions.
Increasing Cognitive Function & Creativity
Researchers have found that those who consume tea regularly seem to exhibit improved attention, memory, creativity, and overall mental acuity. Writers, visual artists, and musicians alike have extolled the virtues of tea for its remarkable ability to open up avenues of creativity.
Improving Mental Health
Not only is tea a potential benefit for protecting against neurodegenerative diseases but also for supporting overall mental health and well-being. Sipping a cup of tea can be a great way to manage stress and anxiety any time of the day – even before bedtime!
Drinking a cup of tea before bedtime can actually help improve the quality and duration of your sleep. Sleep is essential for good mental health.
Enhancing Mood
The amino acid L-theanine, which helps to reduce stress-related anxiety, can also help normalize or even enhance mood. L-theanine, in combination with moderate levels of caffeine, provides a gentle and steady boost in alertness without the jitters while reducing drastic mood swings.
Every time we take the time to savor a cup of tea, it can become a ritual of its own. No matter where we are, when we drink a cup of tea, we are engaging in a tradition that can become not only a healthful experience but an almost spiritual one as well.
Tea is enjoyed in over 160 countries around the world, and no other drink, other than water, is consumed more. In many cultures and tea traditions around the world, it has an almost ceremonial quality for connecting with friends old or new, beginning a romance, or brokering peace.
Making the conscious choice to set aside time to relax and savor a cup of tea can provide immense benefits to our health and well-being. No matter what kind of tea is your favorite, once you get into the tea habit, we are confident you will come to love the journey.
Disclaimer:
The statements and information made on this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition or replace professional medical advice or treatment.
If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications, or have a medical condition, consult your physician or healthcare professional before using any product, supplement, or tea. The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated the statements herein.
Resources
“How a Cup of Tea Makes You Happier, Healthier & More Productive” by Drake Beyer, Fast Company Magazine.
“Neuroprotective Effects and Mechanisms of Tea Bioactive Components in Neurodegenerative Diseases.” By Chen, Shu-Qing, et al. Molecules, vol. 23, no. 3, 25 Feb. 2018, p. 512, https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23030512.
“The Way of Tea” by Lam Kai Sin and Lam Tin Yu. 2002 Barron’s Educational Series, New York, NY
“Drinking Tea Improves the Performance of Divergent Creativity.” Huang, Yan, et al. Food Quality and Preference, vol. 66, June 2018, pp. 29–35.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Austin
A blogger, healthy lifestyle enthusiast with slight “addiction” of planning and organizing. Whether it’s about weight loss, body detoxing or herbal and healing teas.
All this addiction evidences can be found as informative articles here: at sirjasonwinters.com website.
