“Brain Brew” SLASHES Dementia Risk

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted March 3, 2025

If you’re a regular Living Well Daily reader, you know I’m a coffee fan.

There are plenty of good reasons to stay that way. In fact, I shared a reason just last week.

But I’ve also made room in my life for another hot beverage—and that’s green tea.

Now, new research suggests it was a great decision because adding a few cups to your day could shield your brain from dementia.

And we’re not talking about vague findings. We’re looking at cold, hard evidence from brain scans…

A study published in npj Science of Food analyzed MRI scans from over 8,700 Japanese adults. And they found something remarkable—drinking three to five cups of green tea daily could significantly reduce brain lesions linked to dementia and cognitive decline.

The lesions in the white matter of the tea-drinker’s brains were, on average, three to six percent smaller than the non-tea drinkers.

That might not sound like much, but every little bit counts when it comes to your brain.

Think of these brain lesions as tiny check engine lights for your brain. They show up years before symptoms of conditions like Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

You see, green tea isn’t just any old beverage—it’s packed with two brain-protecting powerhouses…

• Epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, is a tongue-twister of an antioxidant that fights brain-cell inflammation and prevents the buildup of nasty proteins linked to Alzheimer’s.
• Theanine is an amino acid that helps maintain healthy blood flow to the brain, keeping those vital vessels clear.

Now, before you run out and stock up on green tea, let’s talk about those three to five cups. We’re looking at about 600 to 1,500 mL daily—roughly two to five standard coffee mugs’ worth.

And before you ask—no, those sugary bottled green teas don’t count. We’re talking about the real deal here, freshly brewed from actual tea leaves.

The best part? Green tea is affordable, easy to find, safe, and enjoyable.

So maybe it’s time for a new ritual. You don’t have to give up your coffee (I’m sure not!), but trade in a mug here and there for some brain-protecting green tea.

P.S. Think skipping sleep is no big deal? Think again. Research reveals it’s critical for protecting your memory.

Source:

Shibata, S., Shima, A., Ozaki, T., Usui, Y., Taki, Y., Uchida, K., et al., (2025). Green tea consumption and cerebral white matter lesions in community-dwelling older adults without dementia. npj Science of Food, 9(1), 1-8.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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