Overview

• A Japanese study found that higher green tea consumption is associated with fewer white matter lesions in the brain, which are linked to cognitive decline and dementia.
• Participants who drank at least three cups (600 ml) of green tea daily showed a 3% reduction in brain lesions compared to those who drank less.
• The study used MRI scans to analyze brain health in over 8,500 adults aged 65 and older without dementia, as part of a large-scale aging and dementia research project in Japan.
• Green tea's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly the compound epigallocatechin gallate, are believed to support brain vascular health and reduce damage.
• No significant brain health benefits were observed from coffee consumption in the study, highlighting green tea's unique potential neuroprotective effects.