8. Green Tea: The Beverage for Cognitive Wellness
No list of brain-healthy foods is complete without mentioning green tea. This popular beverage has several qualities that could make it a brain-healthy food.
Green tea is known for its stimulatory effect due to the presence of caffeine. But it also contains other bioactive compounds that can benefit brain health.
Among these compounds are the antioxidants called catechins, which can protect the brain from oxidative stress. This could delay brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Moreover, green tea is a source of the amino acid L-theanine, which can cross the blood-brain barrier. L-theanine increases the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, which has anti-anxiety effects. It also enhances the frequency of alpha waves in the brain, leading to relaxation without drowsiness.
Additionally, studies have shown that green tea drinkers have more brain activity in the working memory area of their brains. They also have a lower risk of cognitive decline. (8)
