The unexpected benefits of green tea on your brain 🍵

Could a millennia-old beverage protect our brain from the effects of aging? A Japanese study reveals that green tea, thanks to its antioxidant compounds, could reduce age-related brain damage.

Aging is often accompanied by brain changes, such as the appearance of lesions in the white matter, associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline. Researchers from Kanazawa University explored the role of green tea in preventing these abnormalities. Their findings, published in npj Science of Food, suggest that this beverage could offer unique protection.

White matter lesions: a marker of brain aging

White matter, essential for communication between different regions of the brain, is often damaged with age. These lesions, visible on MRI, are linked to cognitive disorders and diseases like dementia. The Japanese study analyzed nearly 9,000 participants aged 65 and older, revealing a correlation between green tea consumption and a reduction in these lesions.

Individuals who drank at least three cups of green tea per day had a 3% lower volume of lesions compared to those who consumed less. This figure reached 6% for heavy consumers. In contrast, coffee showed no significant effect on these abnormalities.

Catechins, protective compounds

Green tea contains catechins, molecules with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds, particularly epigallocatechin gallate, act on blood vessels, reducing oxidative stress and brain damage. Although the study did not establish a direct causal link, these mechanisms could explain the observed benefits.

The researchers emphasize that these effects are more pronounced in individuals without depression or genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease. This suggests that the benefits of green tea also depend on individual factors.

A nuanced prevention

While green tea appears promising, it should not be considered a miracle solution. The authors remind us of the importance of a holistic approach to preserving brain health: a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and medical follow-up remain essential.

Further studies are needed to confirm these results and explore the mechanisms at play. In the meantime, incorporating green tea into your daily routine could be a simple gesture to protect your brain from aging.

To go further: What is the white matter of the brain?

White matter is an essential part of the brain, primarily composed of nerve fibers covered with myelin. This myelin, a protective sheath, allows for the rapid transmission of electrical signals between different brain regions. Without it, neuronal communication would be slowed or impaired.

With age, white matter can suffer damage, often related to vascular problems. These lesions, visible on medical imaging, are associated with an increased risk of cognitive disorders, such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease. They affect the brain's ability to process information efficiently.

White matter lesions are often caused by poor blood supply, due to hypertension or atherosclerosis. These conditions damage the small blood vessels that supply the brain, leading to micro-lesions. Oxidative stress and inflammation also play a role in this process.

Preserving the health of white matter is therefore essential for maintaining cognitive functions. Healthy lifestyle habits, such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity, can help protect this brain structure and reduce the risks of cognitive decline.