text: Your daily cup of tea could be doing more than providing a comforting ritual – it may actually help keep your mind sharp as you age. According to a recent study published in Nutrition Reviews, regular consumption of tea is associated with a lower risk of cognitive disorders like dementia.
  The Long-Term Benefits of Tea on Your Brain
  The study, conducted by researchers at China Medical University, analyzed data from over 389,000 participants across multiple studies. They found that individuals who drank tea on a regular basis had a 32% lower risk of developing cognitive disorders than those who did not drink tea.
  The findings support previous research that has linked tea drinking to better brain health and cognitive function. Tea contains compounds like L-theanine and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that are thought to have protective effects on the brain. L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea, has been shown to promote relaxation and focus. EGCG is a powerful antioxidant that may help fight inflammation and protect neurons from damage.
  Over time, the cumulative effect of these compounds found naturally in tea may help preserve cognitive abilities and prevent dementia. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in tea are thought to be particularly beneficial in protecting the brain from the buildup of amyloid plaques and other neural damage associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
  How Much Tea is Optimal?
  In the recent study, the lowest risk of dementia was seen in individuals who consumed about 1 cup of tea per day. The benefits peaked at around 2.5 cups daily, with no additional protection observed for drinking more than that amount.
  Green and black tea yielded similar cognitive benefits. And among different ethnicities analyzed, tea drinking led to the greatest risk reduction for dementia in Asian populations, possibly due to genetic or lifestyle factors.
  A cup of tea clearly goes a long way when it comes to long-term brain health. Replacing an afternoon soda or sugary drink with a freshly brewed cup of green or black tea is a simple way to incorporate this habit into your routine.
  Tea Time for All Ages
  It’s never too early or too late to discovering all that tea has to offer.
  “The neuroprotective role of tea consumption on the risk of dementia is highlighted in this study, and the benefits seem to apply to both men and women of diverse ethnicities,” says Dr. Anita Singh, neurologist at the Brain Health Center. “Making tea a regular part of your diet in early adulthood or middle age can have lasting positive impacts on cognitive function.”
  Incorporating a few cups of freshly brewed tea into your day is an easy way to hydrate with a beverage that offers much more than just fluids.
  Other Known Health Benefits of Drinking Tea
  Tea contains powerful antioxidants and polyphenols that can provide wide-ranging benefits from heart health to cancer prevention. Some of the many evidenced-based health perks associated with regular tea consumption include:
  - Improved heart health – Tea contains flavanols that help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing risk of heart disease.
  - Boosted immune function – Antioxidants like EGCG have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties that safeguard the body from infections.
  - Enhanced weight loss – Tea increases fat burning and elevates metabolic rate to help with losing weight.
  - Regulation of blood sugar – By improving insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, tea helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
  - Healthier bones – The phytochemicals in tea may support bone mineral density and strength, especially as we age.
  - Lower cancer risk – Tea polyphenols prevent DNA damage and stop the growth and spread of tumors.
  - Anti-aging effects – The antioxidants in tea neutralize free radicals that accelerate aging.
  - Improved gut health – Tea polyphenols promote the growth of good bacteria in the intestines.
  - Better oral health – Catechins in tea inhibit bacteria growth and reduce inflammation for healthier gums and teeth.
  So put on the kettle, grab your favorite mug, and drink your way to better brain health with the simple habit of daily tea time.
  - Ying Zhu , Chun-Xiang Hu , Xu Liu , Rui-Xia Zhu , Ben-Qiao Wang, Moderate coffee or tea consumption decreased the risk of cognitive disorders: an updated dose-response meta-analysis, 31 July 2023.