Senility: Drinking Tea To Prevent Cognitive Decline
Fans of Earl Grey or Darjeeling can rejoice: a study from the National University of Singapore confirms that regular consumption of tea improves cognitive functions. Drinking tea even has a protective effect against age-related cognitive decline. To prevent senility, the authors of the study recommend to consume at least 4 cups per week. Explanations.
Tea, a preventive remedy for senility
What if the solution to preventing the risk of cognitive decline and senile dementia was in our mug? That's what a team of researchers from the University of Singapore suggests.
These researchers followed a group of 36 people aged 60 and older over a 3-year period. They collected data on their lifestyle, health, and psychological well-being. They administered neuropsychological tests and an MRI to them.
Using magnetic resonance neuroimaging, they were able to observe their cognitive functions and found a link between regular tea consumption and healthy cognitive function.
Protective molecules against aging
It was already known that tea contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory molecules that protect our cells from aging, including:
- catechin, an antioxidant of the flavonoid family
- L-theanine, an amino acid with relaxing effects.
In this study, researchers from the University of Singapore were able to observe that connections between different brain areas are better structured in regular tea drinkers.
Since neural connections function like a road network, this means that the brains of tea addicts process information more efficiently.
So this study suggests that neurons also benefit from the protective effect of this drink on cells. When consumed regularly, brain aging is slowed and cognitive functions are preserved longer.
A remedy to be taken at least four times a week
This team of researchers from the University of Singapore will continue to investigate the effects of tea and the various compounds present in this beverage on cognitive decline.
To reap the benefits of the beverage on cognitive function, the study authors (see link below) already recommend drinking it regularly, at least four times a week.
If you're in the habit of enjoying a cup of Earl grey, Darjeeling or Gunpowder every day, even better! This beverage, regardless of variety and color, has multiple health benefits.
For example, black tea has been shown to improve attention and alertness, especially in the elderly.
More globally, this beverage, which is the most consumed in the world after water, has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system and on the immune system.
Green tea could thus help reduce the symptoms of certain autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and certain inflammatory bowel diseases. Would you like another cup?
