Just My Cup of Tea

Drinking a daily cup of tea, green or black, may reduce the risk of dementia among older adults by 50%.  And for those with a genetic tendency for Alzheimer's, regular tea consumption may cut the risk by 86%.  In a recent study over a 7-year period, researchers studied the tea-drinking habits of about 1000 people and tested their cognitive function every 2 years.  Those who drank at least 1 cup a day were half as likely to show signs of cognitive decline compared to non-tea drinkers.  Compounds in tea have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help prevent vascular damage and neurodegeneration.