Green Tea Can Build Brain Cells
September 7, 2012 by Sam Rolley
The health benefits of drinking green tea daily include everything from aiding in the detoxification of the body to weight-loss. Research has now proven that the beverage can actually help you produce more brain cells.
The research, published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, shows that chemical properties of green tea speed up the generation of brain cells, providing benefits for memory and spatial learning.
“Green tea is a popular beverage across the world,” said Professor Yun Bai from the Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China. “There has been plenty of scientific attention on its use in helping prevent cardiovascular diseases, but now there is emerging evidence that its chemical properties may impact cellular mechanisms in the brain.”
Bai and his research team examined the organic chemical EGCG, (epigallocatechin-3 gallate) which is a powerful antioxidant found in green tea.
“We proposed that EGCG can improve cognitive function by impacting the generation of neuron cells, a process known as neurogenesis,” said Bai. “We focused our research on the hippocampus, the part of the brain which processes information from short-term to long-term memory.”
In experiments with lab mice, the researchers discovered that those given EGCG were better able to complete puzzles and cognitive tasks.
You can opt-out at any time. We protect your information like a mother hen. We will not sell or rent your email address to anyone for any reason.
