Learn how teas can lower the risk of Alzheimer’s by up to 86%

With temperatures dropping day after day until winter arrives, it’s even better to have a cup of tea in the morning or before bed, isn’t it?

Teas are already our old acquaintances when it comes to giving the body a boost to improve its healing processes for respiratory diseases, digestion and elimination of toxins, being a very popular drink all over the world.

The news, however, is that, in addition to the benefits for the body, the habit of drinking tea can also be good for our brain – more specifically, reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s by up to 86%.

This was the result of a study published this year by the National University of Singapore and could reveal a very inexpensive way to decrease the chances of this disease developing.

How tea can prevent Alzheimer’s

The survey conducted in Singapore involved 950 people aged 55 and over and studied their tea drinking habits between 2003 and 2005. Then, in the following years until 2010, researchers followed the participants, assessing their cognitive functions according to certain patterns.

The result was that those people who drank tea regularly had a 50% reduction in their risk of developing neurocognitive disorders. The power of tea proved even more impressive for people who had a genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s: in this case, the risk of the disease was reduced by 86%.

The substances present in tea that make it so special are catechins and theaflavins, which contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and protect the brain from aging.

According to a study published in 2013, theanine and caffeine derived from teas helped their consumers perform better at work. When combined with L-theanine, caffeine is converted into an amino acid that reduces mental fatigue while improving memory and giving the brain more access.

In addition, research published in 2012, carried out with mice, showed that the substance EGCG, found in green tea, also helps to improve memory. EGCG increases the production of neural progenitor cells, which can be adapted by the brain as needed.

How to consume your tea to enjoy the benefits

Good news: any type of tea has this protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease, so you can choose your favorite flavor. However, it is important that the tea is prepared from the leaves of the plant and that it is consumed regularly.

Although tea bags are not harmful to our health, teas made from them do not bring the same benefits as the drink prepared with the leaves, which can be fresh or dried.

In addition, it is important to avoid an infusion that is too long. In the case of green tea, 2 to 3 minutes of infusion is sufficient. For other teas, 3 to 5 minutes is the ideal time. When the tea is steeped for a longer time, the plants release tannins, which make the drink bitter.

And, of course, you need to pay attention to the products you are going to use if you are going to sweeten your tea. Instead of using refined sugar, prefer to add a teaspoon of honey.

Did you like this news? It’s a nice incentive to increase the consumption of these delicious drinks, isn’t it?

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.