It is especially useful daily to drink at least a cup of black or green tea to women, as well as those who have a high genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease. To this conclusion came the researchers from Singapore, the results of which are published in the journal Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging.

The authors analyzed data of almost a thousand Chinese residents over the age of 55. Information on lifestyle, nutrition, in particular tea consumption, the health of these people has been collected for seven years. In addition, every two years they underwent standard testing for cognitive (cognitive) abilities.

Calculations have shown that in tea lovers the risk of extinction of mental abilities in old age is reduced by 50% compared to those who do not drink tea at all. This effect is especially pronounced in women. And in carriers of the gene APOE e4, which determines the genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease, tea reduces the likelihood of cognitive impairments in old age by 86%.

The scientists also found out that all existing types of tea are useful for the brain - black, green, oolong and so on.

As the lead author of the study explained, Feng Lei from the School of Medicine of the Singapore National University, contained in tea leaves bioactive substances - catechins, theaflavins, thearubigins and L-theanine - have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and other properties that can protect the brain from damage vessels and neuronal destruction.

However, Lei noted, until the biological mechanism underlying the beneficial effect of tea on the brain is fully understood and further research is required to clarify it.

aspekty. net.