4 Reasons Why Green Tea Inhibits Cognitive Impairment
Since ancient times, people have already enjoyed the different green tea benefits, especially when it comes to treating various sickness. But current research by experts has revealed that drinking green tea can also help in the treatment for neurocognitive disorders. This drink contains several components which are believed to be advantageous to brain health. Some of its useful components are catechin and L-theanine.
Closer Look at the Different Elements of Green Tea
All kinds of teas like green, black, white, and oolong come from the leaves of an evergreen shrub known as Camilla Sinensis. But even though the teas come from the same plant, green tea stands out from all of them because it is not fermented and it has undergone the least number of processes.
Green tea benefits are mostly attributed to the following elements:
- Catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG
EGCG is the most bioactive element in green tea and white tea, and it is also present in small quantities in some other foods like hazelnuts, pecans, apples, onions, and plums. Different studies are focused on this component because of its possible effect in the prevention and treatment for neurocognitive disorders.
- L-theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid which has a relaxing effect. It is known for its ability to induce a state of calmness and at the same time, attentiveness. With L-theanine, your concentration and focus are sharpened, and your stress levels are reduced.
Numerous Positive Effects of Green Tea on Cognition
Some of the benefits of green tea include:
1. Better attention and sharper memory
Green tea enhances your body’s sensitivity to insulin, hence, it can efficiently metabolize glucose, which serves as the brain’s fuel. Because of this, your brain has sufficient fuel to function better.
2. Lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Research reveals that green tea protects the brain, particularly the neurons, as a person ages. Since the brain is protected, the risk of developing neurologic disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia is reduced.
3. Improves mood
The antioxidant polyphenols promotes the increase in the production of a neurotransmitter called dopamine in the body. This particular neurotransmitter helps control emotional responses as well as a person’s movement. According to studies, dopamine has positive effects on the regions of the brain which are responsible for controlling emotions.
4. Enhanced learning
Caffeine is a stimulant that blocks adenosine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Because of this action, the firing of the neuron is improved, which leads to the concentration of norepinephrine and dopamine, thus enhancing a person’s ability to learn.
Green Tea Side Effects and Possible Drug Interaction
Various green tea side effects may range from mild to severe conditions depending on a person’s current state of health. For healthy adults, the regular consumption of a moderate amount of green tea is safe.
The following are common green tea side effects:
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Anemia
- Palpitation
- Muscle contraction
- Anxiety
- Vomiting
Make sure that you don't have anemia, heart conditions, osteoporosis, or IBS before drinking copious amounts of green tea. To enhance the effect of green tea, you can also take Amazon Thunder - Organic Supplements.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to treat, diagnose, or cure any diseases.