A recent clinical trial examined the effects of matcha green tea on cognitive function and sleep quality in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The study, published in PLOS ONE, included 99 participants aged 60 to 85, who were split into two groups: one receiving matcha and the other a placebo. After 12 months, those who drank matcha showed noticeable improvements in social cognition, particularly in recognizing facial expressions.
Matcha green tea is packed with antioxidants like EGCG, which helps fight inflammation, protect arteries, and repair cells. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and alertness without causing drowsiness. These components likely contributed to the improved sleep quality observed in the matcha group.
However, there were no significant differences between the matcha and placebo groups in overall cognitive abilities like memory or attention, suggesting that matcha's benefits may be more specific to social cognition and sleep.
The researchers emphasized the need for more studies with larger groups and better sleep measurements to fully understand how matcha might prevent cognitive decline. Despite some limitations, the study highlights matcha green tea as a promising, widely accepted option for boosting certain cognitive functions and sleep quality in older adults.
Additionally, matcha has been linked to many studies that show dramatic effects of improving brain function and staving off cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, lowering heart disease risk and improving metabolism, making it a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle.
SOURCE: