A recent study has revealed a link between daily consumption of tea and coffee and a reduced risk of dementia, with the results indicating that moderate consumption of these beverages is associated with better cognitive performance.
According to research that included data from more than 131,000 people over 40 years, people who regularly drank two to three cups of caffeinated coffee, or one to two cups of tea daily, were 15% to 20% less likely to develop dementia than those who did not consume these beverages.
The results also showed that coffee drinkers who consumed caffeine performed slightly better on cognitive tests, with less cognitive decline compared to those who drank decaffeinated coffee, according to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
While these findings suggest that regular tea and coffee consumption may be beneficial for brain health, the researchers emphasize that the study does not establish a direct causal relationship. Caffeine consumers may have other healthy habits that contribute to these results.
Lead researcher Yu Zhang, a nutritional epidemiologist at Harvard University, explained: "Coffee and tea contain compounds such as caffeine and polyphenols that may protect nerve cells by improving blood vessel health and reducing inflammation."
It is worth noting that the study relied on an analysis of data from participants in two large health studies in the United States, during which dietary habits and cognitive changes were monitored over a period of 43 years.
Experts stressed the need for caution in interpreting these results, as caffeine can have both positive and negative effects on health, noting that maintaining a generally healthy lifestyle remains the most important factor in preventing dementia.
Zhang said: "Instead of relying on coffee or tea as a magic solution, the focus should be on following a balanced lifestyle that includes healthy nutrition, regular physical activity and good sleep."
