Green Tea May Help Fight Memory Loss in Alzheimer's Disease

The main components of green tea is believed to help the brain are polyphenols and flavonoids. The most active polyphenol in green tea is epigalochatechin-3-gallate or EGCG to inhibit the loss of neurons by interfering with a potent neurotoxin known as MPTP, a chemical that specifically affects the production of dopamine receptors.

EGCG is also thought to significantly reduce the formation of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain. An abnormal accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques are involved in nerve damage and memory loss in Alzheimer's disease

Flavonoids are antioxidants that are thought to help prevent damage caused by free radicals in the body resulting in oxidative stress. The brain is particularly susceptible to free radical damage due to its high metabolic rate, according to researchers from Vanderbilt University. The use of oxygen in the brain leads to the generation of a large number of free radicals that can eventually lead to cell damage.

Green tea may be beneficial in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which breaks down acetylcholine, a brain neurotransmitter (ACh). acetylcholine concentrations tend to decrease as a result of normal aging, leading to sporadic failures in short-term memory, but Alzheimer's disease, acetylcholine levels may fall by up to 90% causing a significant loss cognitive function and behavior.

But before you go out and buy green tea supplements, keep in mind that a 2002 study found that green tea works best at low concentrations, such as that found in two cups a day of drinking green tea and high concentrations (such as in dietary supplements) was found to effectively promote oxidation.


Continue Reading: Green tea extract protects against brain damage

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