Grandmothers and Grandfathers Should Use This Type of Tea; A Vitamin-Rich Memory Booster

According to SAEDNEWS, Green tea contains antioxidants that may have health benefits and even prevent certain diseases. Researchers who conducted the current study wanted to see whether this range of benefits could also extend to cognitive advantages.

As cases of dementia continue to rise, scientists are exploring ways for individuals to improve their cognitive health.

The study did not fully yield the results researchers had anticipated, as participants who consumed matcha did not show improvements in memory or broader cognitive functions. However, older adults with mild cognitive impairment who consumed matcha demonstrated improvements in social cognition and sleep.

Matcha green tea is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C and E, magnesium, and potassium. It also contains bioactive compounds such as theanine and catechins.

Theanine is an amino acid found in various foods and beverages that can help promote mental relaxation. Catechins are polyphenols that may reduce inflammation in the body and protect against cellular damage.

The researchers conducting the current study examined how matcha affects cognitive function by recruiting 99 participants and monitoring them for 12 months. Participants were aged 60 to 85.

Among them, 64 reported cognitive decline and 35 had mild cognitive impairment. Participants were randomly assigned to either the matcha or placebo group using a computer system.

The matcha group consumed 2 grams of green tea daily via a capsule, while the placebo group received a capsule containing corn starch.

Cognitive assessments were conducted at the start, end, and six months after the study.

Researchers also tested participants’ neuropsychological status, memory, executive function, attention, social function, and sleep quality.

Additionally, neuroimaging was performed at the beginning and end of the study to examine participants’ gray and white matter levels in the brain.

Scientists regularly monitored participants over the 12 months.

While researchers expected the matcha group to show broader improvements in cognitive function by the end of the study, the group did not demonstrate significant improvements compared to the placebo group.

Although the matcha group did not experience notable benefits in memory or executive function, scientists observed improvements in sleep and social function among matcha consumers.

Results indicated that the matcha group showed significant improvements in social function and sleep quality, although other cognitive functions did not display substantial changes compared to the placebo group.