Research conducted by the Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medical Sciences reveals a significant correlation between the consumption of green tea and a reduction in cerebral white matter lesions among older adults who do not have dementia. The findings suggest that ingesting three or more cups of green tea daily may confer protective benefits for brain health, while similar effects were not noted for coffee consumption.

Understanding Cerebral White Matter Lesions

Cerebral white matter lesions (WMLs) are commonly associated with small vessel disease and are prevalent among older adults. They serve as markers that may indicate the presence of conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other forms of dementia. The current study aimed to analyze the relationship between lifestyle factors, including diet and specifically beverage consumption, and structural brain changes.

Green Tea and Coffee: A Comparison

Green tea and coffee are among the most widely consumed beverages globally, following water. Both drinks are rich in neuroprotective compounds; however, there is limited research investigating their direct impact on brain structure. Previous studies suggest that beverage intake may influence cognitive function, though few have explored structural implications in particular.

The study, entitled Green tea consumption and cerebral white matter lesions in community-dwelling older adults without dementia, was published in npj Science of Food and was part of a larger undertaking called the Japan Prospective Studies Collaboration for Aging and Dementia. This observational study involved eight research centers throughout Japan.

Research Methodology

Data collection occurred between 2016 and 2018, including dietary assessments, MRI scans, and cognitive evaluations of 8,766 participants aged 65 and older. A Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to categorize participants' daily green tea and coffee consumption into four levels:

  • 0–200 ml
  • 201–400 ml
  • 401–600 ml
  • ≥601 ml

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans provided crucial data about the volume of WMLs, hippocampal volume (HV), and total brain volume (TBV). Advanced statistical models were then applied to account for confounding variables such as demographics, health status, lifestyle habits, and genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease.

Key Findings

Upon analysis, findings indicated that higher green tea consumption was substantially linked to lower WML volumes. Specifically, participants consuming 600 ml of green tea daily exhibited WML volumes that were:

Green Tea Consumption (ml) White Matter Lesion Volume (%)
200 ml or less Reference Group
600 ml 3% lower
1,500 ml 6% lower

No significant correlation was noted between green tea intake and hippocampal or total brain volumes, nor was coffee consumption associated with changes in WML volume, HV, or TBV.

Subgroup Analysis

The study further categorized participants based on depression status and the presence of the ApoE ε4 allele. Remarkably, the reductions in WML volumes with increased green tea consumption were only statistically significant in those without depression or the ApoE ε4 allele, suggesting that these variables could mediate the protective effects of green tea.

Possible Mechanisms: The Role of Antioxidants

The neuroprotective benefits attributed to green tea are likely due to its rich content of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, particularly catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These compounds may help to alleviate vascular damage and promote overall vascular health.

“Our findings underscore the importance of dietary habits in maintaining brain health among older adults, particularly the potential role of green tea consumption in mitigating the effects of aging-related pathologies.” – Dr. Shutaro Shibata, Lead Researcher

Conclusion and Future Directions

This study highlights a promising avenue for dietary interventions in supporting brain health during aging. Further research is warranted to validate specific components of green tea and their mechanisms of action on brain structure and function.

Aspect Finding Source
WML Volume 3% to 6% reduction linked to increased green tea intake Shutaro Shibata et al.
Cognitive Health No significant impact from coffee consumption Study Overview
ApoE ε4 Impact Significant tea benefit observed without ε4 allele presence Subgroup Analysis

With the growing population of older adults globally, identifying protective factors like dietary choices is crucial in enhancing quality of life and cognitive health.

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References

[1] Shibata, S., et al. (2025). Green tea consumption and cerebral white matter lesions in community-dwelling older adults without dementia. npj Science of Food.

[2] Lifespan.io