Have another cup of tea—it may be the best thing to soothe your Parkinson’s symptoms.
Sound too good to be true? Dr. Silvia Mandel of the Eve Topf Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Haifa, Israel, has been studying the effects of EGCG (tea's principal catechin and a strong antioxidant) on the neurological health of animal models.
Her team has found that green tea EGCG prevents brain cells from dying in some experiments. EGCG also shows improvements in reducing compounds that lead to lesions in the brains of animals with Alzheimer’s disease. According to Dr. Mandel, “Not only may the EGCG help prevent brain cells from dying, it appears that the polyphenol may even rescue the neurons once they have been damaged, to help them repair.”
Not only does tea appear to prevent brain cell death but also the compound EGCG helps individuals focus and relax at the same time. After a person drinks tea, theanine (an amino acid found almost exclusively in tea) is absorbed in the blood stream and affects neurotransmitters increasing alpha brainwave activity. Alpha brain rhythm is known to promote a calmer, yet more alert state of mind. It is the only beverage to promote both soothing, calming effects on individuals as well as encourage alertness.
In order to learn more about the revelation of tea with regard to Parkinson’s disease, the Michael J. Fox Foundation is funding a study. In the meantime, ask your neurologist if green tea is safe for you to consume with your current mix of medication.