Green tea: a natural ally for brain health in older adults according to a Japanese study.

In a context where longevity has become an increasingly tangible reality, the care of brain health has become an undeniable priority. The search for habits that promote healthy aging has motivated multiple research studies, among which stands out a recent study conducted by Kanazawa University in Japan. This research suggests that the consumption of green tea could offer significant benefits in protecting the brains of older adults.

The findings, published in the journal npj Science of Food, are based on a thorough analysis of data collected between 2016 and 2018 as part of the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study on Aging and Dementia. A total of 8,766 adults aged 65 and older participated in this research, which included dietary assessments, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and cognitive tests. The study focused on examining the relationship between the consumption of green tea and coffee, using a questionnaire that classified intake into various categories.

The analysis showed that those who consumed three or more cups of green tea a day had a notable reduction in lesions of the brain's white matter, a critical region for cognitive health. According to the results, participants who drank 600 ml of green tea daily showed 3% fewer lesions compared to those who consumed 200 ml or less. This positive effect increased to 6% in those who ingested 1,500 ml daily.

White matter plays a fundamental role in communication between different areas of the brain, and lesions in this region are closely linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. This study suggests that incorporating green tea into the daily diet could become a simple and natural approach to promoting brain health, especially in older adults.

The researchers highlighted that, unlike green tea, coffee consumption did not show a significant impact on the health of white matter or the total brain volume. This difference may be related to the composition of green tea, which is rich in catechins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as epigallocatechin gallate, which could be responsible for the protective effects observed.

However, it is crucial to consider that the study has certain limitations. Being a cross-sectional study, the results are based on data analysis at a specific point in time, which prevents establishing a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Additionally, the consumption of green tea did not have a significant impact on hippocampal volume or total brain volume, factors also linked to cognitive decline.

The researchers have emphasized the need for longitudinal prospective studies and further basic research to validate their findings. It is also important to note that the benefits of green tea were not observed in individuals suffering from depression or in those carrying the ApoE ε4 allele, a genetic variant associated with Alzheimer's.

Despite these limitations, the research opens a promising path in the search for effective strategies for brain health care in older adults. Incorporating green tea into the diet could be a simple and accessible option for many, contributing to a better quality of life and healthier aging.

Such studies reinforce the importance of researching the effects of traditional foods and beverages on health, highlighting that, in the quest for healthy aging, answers can often be found in what nature offers us. With the continuous increase in life expectancy, it is essential for both individuals and health professionals to consider implementing dietary habits that promote mental and cognitive well-being in older adults.