You probably already knew that tea is a wonderful drink, but perhaps you didn’t know that the effects of tea extend to our brain. In fact, I will now give you three good reasons to include a cup of tea in your daily diet.
The main effects of tea on the brain that you can take advantage of
1. Improves concentration
Historically, tea has been associated with increased concentration. Now Dutch researchers have conducted a more in-depth study and have come to the conclusion that the theine found in tea really improves our attentional capacity.
These researchers recruited a group of people and gave half of them black tea while the other half were given water with a similar flavor and color but without the properties of tea. Their attentional capacity was then evaluated. In this way, it was seen that people who had drunk the real tea achieved better scores on attention tests and also reported feeling more awake.
The responsible is theine. This amino acid, which is found almost exclusively in the tea plant, affects the neural networks of our brain, promoting a higher level of alertness and concentration. In fact, the study found that approximately 20 minutes after consuming the tea, the activity of the cortical regions involved in attention increased. It is worth clarifying that this effect is estimated to last between three and four hours.
2. Promotes relaxation
Theine, which is responsible for improving our concentration, also causes a state of relaxation. Basically, this amino acid increases the frequency of alpha waves (which have been related to the relaxation we experience when we take a walk in a natural environment or when we are on the verge of falling asleep) but the curious thing is that, at the same time, interrupts drowsiness. That is, theine relaxes us but also keeps us awake and attentive.
Until now, it was thought that this effect could only be achieved with very high doses of theine, which were not found in the tea that is normally consumed. However, now new research has shown that a cup of tea can have calming effects.
These researchers recruited a group of people and monitored their brain activity 45, 60, 75, 90 and 105 minutes after ingesting 50 mg/L of theine (approximately two cups of black tea). Thus they were able to see a notable increase in alpha activity. Therefore, there is no doubt that tea can promote relaxation, especially in those moments when we have to stay awake to finish an important project.
3. Protect memory
Tea is ideal for preserving memory and even recovering some of the lost functions. This is demonstrated by a study carried out by researchers at the University of Newcastle, in which it was found that both black and green tea inhibit the activity of enzymes associated with the development of neurodegenerative diseases that affect memory, such as Alzheimer’s. Specifically, it hinders the activity of the enzyme butyrylcholinesterase, which plays a key role in the formation of plaques found in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s.
Additionally, another study by Chinese neuroscientists goes a step further to suggest that tea not only protects our memory but is involved in neurogenesis. That is, it stimulates the growth of neurons in the hippocampus, an essential structure for memory that is one of the first to be damaged when we suffer from a neurodegenerative disease.
Conclusions? Instead of opting for unhealthy drinks that are rich in sugar and provide few benefits, increase your tea consumption (as long as you don’t have a health problem that prevents you from doing so). Your brain will thank you!
Sources:
Wang, Y. et. Al. (2012) Green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) promotes neural progenitor cell proliferation and sonic hedgehog pathway activation during adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research; 56(8): 1292-1303.
De Bruin, E. A. et. Al. (2011) Black tea improves attention and self-reported alertness. Appetite; 56(2): 235-240.
Nobre, A. C. (2008) L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr; 17(1):167-168.
Okello, E. J. et. Al. (2004) In vitro Anti-beta-secretase and dual anti-cholinesterase activities of Camellia sinensis L. (tea) relevant to treatment of dementia. Phytotherapy Research, 18: 624-627.
