A groundbreaking study from Japan has unveiled promising evidence that regular consumption of green tea may combat cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia. Published in the renowned journal npj Science of Food, the research indicates that older individuals who regularly consume green tea exhibit fewer cerebral white matter lesions, a known marker of cognitive decline and dementia risk. This finding could position green tea as a potential dietary intervention to help prevent dementia.
The study meticulously analyzed the daily intake of green tea and coffee among older Japanese individuals. Researchers classified daily consumption into four groups: 0–200, 201–400, 401–600, and at least 601 milliliters (ml). The results demonstrated a significant correlation between consistent green tea consumption and a reduction in white matter lesions. Notably, the analysis accounted for various medical factors, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and the presence of the APOE e4 allele—a genetic factor linked to increased dementia risk.
Researchers highlight that green tea has a historical reputation for health benefits, and this study further substantiates its role in reducing dementia risk. The absence of a comparative analysis with black tea drinkers was due to the low number of such participants in the Japanese cohort. The study advocates for comparative analyses to determine how green tea fares against other beverages or dietary interventions in preventing white matter lesions.
“Unlike green tea,” he added, “coffee did not show similar benefits, possibly because green tea’s unique composition, such as catechins, might be more effective against white matter lesions than coffee’s compounds, which are mainly chlorogenic acid and caffeine.” – Allder
The study also notes that while green tea shows promise, its effects may vary among individuals with certain conditions or genetic predispositions.
“the absence of benefits in individuals with depression might be due to the interaction between chronic inflammation and oxidative stress associated with depression, which could counteract the neuroprotective effects of green tea.” – Allder
“Similarly, the lack of effect in APOE e4 carriers suggests a genetic predisposition that could diminish green tea’s impact, potentially due to APOE e4‘s strong association with amyloid pathology and vascular contributions to cognitive impairment,” – Allder
Allder further emphasized the need for long-term studies to assess the impact of green tea on dementia progression and cognitive decline.
“Long-term investigations are necessary to evaluate the impact of green tea consumption on the progression of dementia and cognitive decline. Additionally, comparative analyses should be carried out to assess how green tea compares with other beverages or dietary interventions in preventing white matter lesions,” – Allder
He also suggested focusing research on specific subgroups to understand mechanisms that may limit green tea's effectiveness.
“research should also focus on targeted subgroups, such as individuals with depression or the APOE e4 allele, to explore the mechanisms that might limit green tea’s effectiveness in these populations.” – Allder
Leave a Reply