The risk of dementia could be reduced by adding certain foods or drinks to your diet, it has been claimed, and regular consumption of green tea is said to be one of the best dietary changes to boost brain health.
Regular consumption of green tea has been claimed to boost brain health – and may even reduce the risk of dementia later in life.
Green tea contains a unique plant compound known as Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) that breaks down potentially dangerous plaques in blood vessels, scientists at the University of Leeds have revealed.
One doctor also claimed that drinking three cups of green tea each day – between 200ml and 250ml each – could be enough to have an effect on your brain health. For an even greater effect, try using the tea bags or tea leaves continuously until the taste is completely gone, according to Dr Edward Okello of the University of Newcastle.
However, drinking green tea could provide many health benefits that aren’t just limited to protecting against dementia, said TV doctor Dr. Michael Mosley. He said to himself BBC Radio 4’s ‘Just One Thing’ podcast: ‘There’s one hot drink that seems to have the upper hand, especially when it comes to your brain health.
“[Green tea] It takes some getting used to, but that flavor is actually tea polyphenols that may boast some additional health benefits, such as burning more fat during exercise, boosting your mood, and reducing your risk of heart disease and dementia.”
Dr Okello also said on the podcast that green tea could boost your overall brain power and said EGCG was responsible for the effect. Manchester Evening News.
He said: “EGCG works by boosting acetylcholine levels and this translates into improved cognitive function. We looked at tea consumption in people over 85 over a six-year period and showed that tea consumption slowed cognitive decline over time . But the amount of tea is the most important, so in our study, we showed that at least three cups of tea, at least (a day) would be good for you.”
Regular consumption of green tea could also help support bone health, reduce inflammation and even lower cholesterol, scientists previously claimed. But while green tea may have an impact on the risk of dementia, the best way to reduce your chances of developing the condition is to stay active and exercise your mind, according to the Alzheimer’s Society charity. Quitting alcohol, quitting smoking and being socially active are all great ways to protect against dementia, he added.
credit: Mirror.co.uk