On January 15, 2025, significant global events unfolded, impacting various sectors and populations.
In Japan, researchers from multiple institutions published a study in the journal npj Science of Food, linking green tea consumption to reduced damage in the brain's white matter, potentially offering protection against dementia. The study analyzed data from volunteers over the age of 65, collected between 2016 and 2018. It found a notable correlation between higher green tea intake and fewer lesions in the brain, while coffee consumption did not show similar effects.
Participants consuming three cups of green tea daily exhibited a 3% reduction in white matter lesions compared to those drinking one cup. Those consuming seven to eight cups daily had a 6% reduction. However, the study noted no significant impact on overall brain volume or hippocampal size, which are also indicators of cognitive decline.
Additionally, the study indicated that green tea consumption did not significantly affect individuals diagnosed with depression or those carrying the APOE4 gene variant linked to Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that cardiovascular mechanisms may play a role in the observed results, given previous research connecting green tea to lower blood pressure and the subsequent reduced dementia risk.
Green tea is recognized for its antioxidant properties, attributed to compounds like catechins, which also aid in weight management and cancer cell destruction. Ongoing research continues to explore the full potential of this beverage in promoting health and longevity.