Your morning habits play a major role in your overall health; how you start the day can make all the difference not only how you feel not only on a day-to-day level, but also how you feel on a regular basis over time. This is especially true when it comes to the health of your brain. Starting your morning on the right foot can help keep your brain sharp throughout the day—and consistently healthy morning habits can even improve your long-term cognitive health. So, what are some of those great habits? As it turns out, they can be as simply as sipping on a cup of green tea.
You may have already heard that green tea is associated with a number of health benefits, including a faster metabolism. But did you know it can even help improve your memory and other cognitive functions? To learn more about this antioxidant-rich drink’s brain-healthy properties, we spoke to health experts Jesse Feder, dietitian, and Ramit Singh Sambyal, general physician. Find all of their expert insight below.
Green tea for brain health
Green tea's amazing benefits have been praised for centuries; the impact this tasty, energizing drink can have on your brain is just one upside. As it turns out, this tea isn't only good for a caffeine boost! Feder tells us that "Green tea is loaded with antioxidative polyphenols which are known to improve brain function, memory, mood, and brain fog." Amazing!
"The high amount of antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and cell damage throughout the body, including the brain. This can help reduce memory loss and age-related brain issues," Feder goes on. One particular antioxidant compound found in green tea is known as epigallocatechin gallate (ECGC). This compound has been shown to encourage focused attention and even decrease the risk of dementia.
In addition to these antioxidants, green tea contains another wonderful compound called L-theanine, which Sambyal notes "can cross the blood-brain barrier and has a positive effect on brain function." He explains that this compound "promotes relaxation without drowsiness and, when combined with caffeine, can improve focus, alertness, and memory." Wins all around!
The bottom line
Ultimately, of course, it's important to keep in mind that one simple beverage can't be a miracle-worker; keeping your brain as healthy as possible will require you to maintain a number of healthy habits on a regular basis. However, small habits like this one can add up to make a big difference, and drinking a cup of green tea every morning is undoubtedly a great idea for your overall health.
