Regularly drinking green tea may protect the brain from damage linked to obesity, according to researchers who published their findings in the journal npj Science of Food.
The scientists analyzed data from the UK Biobank and found that among people with obesity, those who drank green tea more often had a larger hippocampus, the brain region responsible for memory and learning. They then tested the finding in an experiment on obese mice that had developed obesity from a high-fat diet.
How the compound works
The researchers found that epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG, the main component of green tea, reduced body weight, lowered inflammation, increased insulin sensitivity and prevented the hippocampus from shrinking. The mice also showed improved memory and cognitive function as a result.
The authors said EGCG protects nerve cells through several mechanisms at once. It suppresses inflammatory processes, restores insulin signaling in the brain and activates autophagy, the cell's natural system for clearing out damaged components.
Possible use in prevention
The researchers said the results suggest tea could be considered as a way to help prevent cognitive decline in people with obesity. Earlier research had also found that regular tea consumption may lower the risk of developing hypertension.
