Dementia is a condition that frightens many of us. The thought of losing the ability to look after yourself as you age is challenging. The World Health Organization states that 55 million people worldwide have dementia.
Unfortunately, because there is still much that scientists don’t understand about the disease, it can be hard to take preventative measures to stop its onset. However, a study conducted in Singapore has introduced evidence that suggests this popular drink could cut the risk of dementia in half.
Link Between Tea and Dementia
A research team at the University of Singapore carried out an experiment to determine if there was a link between drinking tea and dementia. They brought together 957 Chinese volunteers, all aged 55 years or older. Researchers discovered that those who consumed tea daily had a 50% reduced risk of developing dementia.
For those participants who carry the gene that puts them at risk of getting Alzheimer’s, drinking tea slashed their chance of cognitive impairment by an astounding 87%.
Bioactive Compounds
The scientists concluded that the benefits were not limited to one type of tea. Everything from green to black to purple tea displayed properties that protect the brain.
Tea leaves contain bioactive compounds like catechins and L-theanine, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds protect the brain from degeneration and damage. Feng Lei, one of the researchers in the study, explains that there is still a lot more work to do before they fully understand the progression of the disease. However, their work has been encouraging and a great help to those at risk of developing the condition.
