Researchers at the National University of Singapore have revealed through a recent study that people who drink tea regularly have better organized brain regions compared to non tea drinkers. These brain regions are associated with healthy cognitive function and protective effects against age related decline in brain organization.
The research was conducted with collaborators from the University of Essex and the University of Cambridge. Earlier studies have shown that intake of tea is beneficial to human health and the positive effects include cardiovascular disease prevention and mood improvement. In fact, the results shown from a longitudinal study showed that daily intake of tea can reduce the risk of cognitive decline in older people by 50%.
Following these earlier studies, the team set out to further explore the direct effect tea could have on brain networks. They recruited 36 adults aged 60 and above. They gathered data about the lifestyle, health and psychological well being. They also underwent neuropsychological tests and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This particular study was carried out from 2015 to 2018.
After analyzing the study participant’s cognitive performance and MRI results, the team discovered that people who consumed either oolong tea, black tea or green tea at least four times per week for about 25 years, had regions of the brain that were interconnected in more efficient ways.
When the connections between regions of the brain are more structured, processing of information can be performed much more efficiently. The current results which relate to brain network indirectly support the previous findings by showing that the positive effects of regularly drinking tea are the result of improved brain organization which is brought about by preventing disruption to interregional connections.
The team plan to further examine the effects of tea as well as bioactive compounds found in tea and their effect on cognitive decline.
To view the original scientific study click below
Habitual tea drinking modulates brain efficiency: evidence from brain connectivity evaluation.
