Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world. It is enjoyed for its taste and has numerous health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants that help to prevent diseases such as cancer, heart disease and stroke.
Tea is also believed to have a positive effect on cognitive function.
What is dementia?
Dementia is a syndrome that affects the brain, causing memory loss and a decline in thinking, problem-solving and communication skills. It is a progressive disease that worsens over time and affects a person’s ability to perform daily activities.
There are several types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body dementia. The causes of dementia are not yet known, but researchers believe that genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors may play a role.
What is the link between tea and dementia?
A new study has found a link between drinking tea and a reduced risk of dementia.
The study was conducted by researchers at the National University of Singapore, and it looked at the tea-drinking habits of 957 Chinese adults aged 55 years or older over a period of two years. The study found that those who drank tea regularly had a lower risk of dementia than those who did not drink tea. The results of the study were published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging.
How much tea is optimal?
The study found that participants who drank 200ml to 400ml of tea per day had a 50% lower risk of dementia than those who did not drink tea. The optimal amount of tea for preventing dementia seems to be around 300ml per day.
In addition, the study found that the type of tea and how it is prepared can also have an impact on its effectiveness. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea all have different properties that may affect their ability to prevent dementia.
Black tea vs green tea vs oolong tea
Black tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, and it is the most commonly consumed tea in the world. It is popular for its strong, bold flavor, and it is usually served with milk and sugar.
Green tea is made from the same plant, but it is less processed than black tea. It has a more delicate flavor and is usually consumed without milk. Oolong tea is a partially fermented tea that is somewhere between black tea and green tea. It has a richer, more complex flavor than green tea, but it is less bold than black tea.
The study found that all three types of tea are effective in reducing the risk of dementia, but green tea was found to be the most effective.
This is because green tea contains high levels of antioxidants called catechins, which have been shown to have a protective effect on the brain. Black tea and oolong tea also contain a similar group of antioxidants called theaflavins and thearubigins, which have been shown to improve cognitive function.
How should tea be prepared?
The study found that the way tea is prepared can also affect its effectiveness in preventing dementia.
Boiling tea leaves for a long period of time can destroy some of the beneficial compounds, so it is recommended to brew the tea for around three to five minutes. In addition, adding milk, sugar or lemon to the tea can also affect its effectiveness. Milk and sugar can neutralize the antioxidants in the tea, while adding lemon can enhance the absorption of the antioxidants.
Conclusion
Drinking tea is not only a pleasant way to pass the time, but it may also have significant health benefits. The new study suggests that drinking around 300ml of tea per day can reduce the risk of dementia by 50%.
The study also highlights the importance of the type of tea and how it is prepared. Green tea was found to be the most effective in preventing dementia, while boiling the tea for too long or adding milk and sugar can reduce its effectiveness.