Researchers have reporting first evidence that green tea extract enhances the cognitive functions, in particular the working memory. In the new study, the researcher teams of Prof. Christoph Beglinger from the University Hospital of Basel and Prof. Stefan Borgwardt from the Psychiatric University Clinics found that green tea extract increases the brain’s effective connectivity, meaning the causal influence that one brain area exerts over another.
This effect on connectivity also led to improvement in actual cognitive performance: Subjects tested significantly better for working memory tasks after the admission of green tea extract. For the study healthy male volunteers received a soft drink containing several grams of green tea extract before they solved working memory tasks. The scientists then analyzed how this affected the brain activity of the men using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). (Read: Boost your health with a cup of tea)
The MRI showed increased connectivity between the parietal and the frontal cortex of the brain. These neuronal findings correlated positively with improvement in task performance of the participants. ‘Our findings suggest that green tea might increase the short-term synaptic plasticity of the brain,’ says Borgwardt. (Read: 10 ways green tea keeps you healthy and fit!)
The study has been published in the journal Psychopharmacology.
10 reasons to drink green tea
- These antioxidants are said to be active contributors in fighting all types of cancers.
- Cholesterol is another disease that green tea combats. Green tea helps keep your arteries healthy and unblocked, which will help prevent heart attacks.
- Green tea also regulates blood sugar. It keeps your body hydrated, and it does wonders for your skin.
- Immunity levels are boosted, since green tea has active antibacterial compounds that help your body fight disease more naturally.
- Drinking green tea thrice a day will increase your metabolism, which will encourage your body to lose weight and burn calories faster.
- The hunger instinct is also reduced when you drink two to four cups of green tea and your body does not crave unhealthy snacks.
- Two to four cups of green tea burns 70 to 80 calories per day, as it increases metabolism and helps you exercise longer with more endurance.
- Green tea stimulates the nervous system, making the fat burning process faster. It also makes your brain more active.
- Four to five cups of green tea, teamed with a high fibre diet and a vigorous cardio workout will ensure that your body works up to being toned and healthy.
- Green tea encourages good sleep, ensuring that you are well rested and ready for your workout, whether it is cardio, strength training or yoga.
(Read: Health benefits of drinking tea)
With inputs from ANI
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