Tea is a popular beverage due to its unique aromatic taste. Tea is often used as a complementary drink when eating or when you are relaxing in the morning or evening. In addition to its distinctive taste, tea also holds various health benefits for the body, one of which is in maintaining the cognitive function of the brain.

In some previous studies, it was found that consuming tea can help a person to improve their 'mood' and prevent the risk of cardiovascular disease. In addition, the results of the study also showed that daily consumption of tea could reduce the risk of decreased cognitive function by up to 50% in the elderly. This is further supported by the results of a recent study conducted by the National University of Singapore, which found that those who have tea regularly have a more well-organized brain region when compared to those who don’t.

In their research, the researchers analysed 36 participants aged 60 years and over. Each participant was asked to provide data such as their medical history, lifestyle, and psychological health. To observe the cognitive function of the brain, each participant underwent neuropsychological tests and MRI examinations. This study took place from 2015 to 2018.

The result, researchers found that those who consumed tea, whether green tea, oolong tea, or black tea at least four times a week for 25 years had more structured connections between their brain regions. A more structured brain connection will be more efficient in processing information, which can help maintain the brain function.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay

Source(s):

• Junhua, L., Garcia, R.R., Suckling, J., and Feng, L., (2019). Habitual tea drinking modulates brain efficiency: evidence from brain connectivity evaluation. Aging, DOI: https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.102023.
• Science Daily - Drinking tea improves brain health, study suggests (2019). https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/09/190912100945.htm, 19 September 2019.