Green tea lovers, take note: It may improve memory, cut obesity

Apart from many other health benefits, green tea can help reduce insulin resistance and improve memory, which can be caused by a Western diet.

Here’s another reason to have that cup of green tea. According to a study, ingredients found in this tea can reduce high-fat and high-fructose (HFFD)-induced insulin resistance and improve memory. New research identifies potential therapeutic intervention for memory impairment, neuro-inflammation and brain insulin resistance induced by high-fat, high-fructose diet. Previous research said green tea can help fight arthritis and joint pain.

Green tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. (Shutterstock)

The study, conducted on mice, suggests that EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), the most abundant catechin and biologically active component in green tea, could alleviate high-fat and high-fructose (HFFD)-induced insulin resistance and cognitive impairment. Previous research pointed to the potential of EGCG to treat a variety of human diseases. Yet until now, EGCG’s impact on insulin resistance and cognitive deficits triggered in the brain by a Western diet remained unclear.

“Green tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water and is grown in at least 30 countries,” said Xuebo Liu from Northwest A&F University, in Yangling, China. “The ancient habit of drinking green tea may be a more acceptable alternative to medicine when it comes to combatting obesity, insulin resistance and memory impairment,” Liu added.

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more