Promising studies have shown that taking green tea extracts may help in the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease, and may also promote brain health in general.
Green tea extracts contain a flavonoid called EGCG, or epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which is one of the antioxidant ingredients in green tea believed to be responsible for its many health benefits. Some studies found that EGCG appears to bind to the beta-amyloid plaques in the brain that are
believed to cause Alzheimer’s, according to Alzheimers.net.
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One Japanese study discussed on
ResearchGate found that “green tea consumption is significantly associated with reduced risk of cognitive decline, even after adjustment for possible confounding factors.” The researchers also looked at the intake of black tea and coffee, and found no significant impact by those two drinks on dementia.
A 2013 article in a Tufts University newsletter highlighted four studies that indicate a positive impact on the prevention of Alzheimer’s by the extracts from green tea. Several of those studies reiterated findings above about EGCG protecting the brain from the plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease. But one highlighted study showed the way EGCG affects the brain.
“In one new study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Swiss researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to watch the brains of 12 healthy volunteers as they performed tasks testing ‘working memory,’” Tufts reported. “This type of memory allows the brain to simultaneously store and process information; it’s important to such complex cognitive tasks as language comprehension, learning and reasoning. Participants’ brains were scanned after the subjects had consumed two different doses of a beverage containing green-tea extract, as well as a placebo drink.”
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The research found increased brain activity in parts of the pre-frontal cortex associated with working memory, and the activity increased as the dose of green tea increased, Tufts wrote. The study may have implications for treating cognitive impairments, according to a
study assessment published on SpringerLink.
Alzheimers.net said significant studies and research will have to be done before there can be any definitive conclusions about the effects of green tea on patients suffering from Alzheimer’s.
This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.
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