Study Links Green Tea to a 3–6% Reduction in Brain Lesions

A recent study found that drinking three to five cups of green tea daily is associated with a significant reduction in cerebral white matter lesions (WMLs), which are early markers of cognitive decline, vascular dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. MRI scans from over 8,700 Japanese adults showed that participants consuming 600–1,500 mL of green tea daily had WML volumes that were 3–6% smaller compared to those who consumed less. These findings, published in npj Science of Food, demonstrate green tea’s potential to mitigate vascular brain damage and delay neurodegenerative conditions.

Mechanisms Behind Green Tea’s Neuroprotective Effects

Green tea, made from the Camellia sinensis plant, contains bioactive compounds with significant brain-protective properties, including:

• Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG): A potent antioxidant that combats oxidative stress and reduces inflammation in brain cells. EGCG has also been shown to inhibit the aggregation of amyloid-beta, a protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
• Theanine: An amino acid that improves cerebral blood flow and reduces vascular damage by regulating nitric oxide in the vascular endothelium.

Additionally, green tea lowers blood pressure, a key factor in reducing white matter lesions. The study reported that regular green tea drinkers experienced a reduction of 6.2 mmHg in systolic pressure and 2.3 mmHg in diastolic pressure, further supporting its role in protecting brain health.

Coffee Shows No Association with Reduced White Matter Lesions

While coffee is rich in antioxidants, this study found no significant link between coffee consumption and reduced WML volumes. Researchers highlighted the unique properties of green tea’s bioactive compounds, particularly EGCG and theanine, which may explain its specific protective effects on vascular and neurological health.

Variability in Green Tea’s Protective Effects

The study found that green tea’s benefits were most pronounced in individuals without depression or the ApoE ε4 allele, a genetic marker for Alzheimer’s disease. These findings suggest that green tea may be particularly effective in reducing WML volumes among those without these strong risk factors for dementia.

Green Tea as a Practical Approach to Brain Health

For individuals at risk of dementia or cognitive decline, incorporating three or more cups of green tea into daily routines could provide an evidence-based, low-risk dietary strategy. By reducing white matter lesions, lowering blood pressure, and improving vascular function, green tea shows promise as a simple and accessible intervention to support brain health.

Reference

Tamura Y, Araki Y, et al. “Green tea consumption and reduction in white matter lesions: A cross-sectional study in Japan.” npj Science of Food. 2024.