Tea may help reduce the risk of depression in people over 60, study concludes
In recent years, studies have found that drinking tea has many positive health effects. Specifically, this of the National University of Singapore and Founding University of Shanghai further investigated its effects in alleviating depression.
Researchers found a very significant number among people over 60 who frequently drank tea: their levels of depression were lower. Depression was common among older adults, with 7% of people over age 60 suffering from a major depressive disorder.
Although researchers have yet to establish a causal relationship between tea and mental health, their results show a strong association.
In Spain, one in four people over the age of 65 suffers from depression, according to another recent article of the Carlos III Health Institute of Madrid. The authors warn that poor mental health is associated with loneliness and social isolation. Furthermore, those who suffer from depression have a quality of life that is up to 17% worse than those who do not have mental health problems.
Reputable men, the biggest tea drinkers
Experts analyzed data from 13,000 people who participated in the China Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) between 2005 and 2014. They found an almost universal link between tea consumption and lower rates of depression.
The benefits of drinking tea were greatest for men aged 65 to 79 years. Those who drank the most tea were older, male, urban residents. Also, they were more likely to be educated, married, and financially prosperous.
Tea drinkers also had higher cognitive and physical functions and were more socially involved. On the other hand, they were more likely to drink alcohol and smoke.
“The benefits of drinking tea are probably most evident in the early stages of declining health. We certainly need more information on this topic,” explained the study author, Feng Qiushi.
Tea ingredients improve our mood
Tea is very popular among the elderly in China and other countries, and several researchers have investigated the potential beneficial effects of this beverage.
Aging Magazine published a previous report where he explained how tea might have properties that help areas of the brain maintain healthy cognitive function. Also its ingredients, catechin, L-theanine and caffeine, produce favorable effects on mood, cognitive capacity, cardiovascular health, cancer prevention and mortality.
Feng Qiushi and Shen Ke conducted the new study to rule out the influence of different variables such as social interaction, gender, education, residence, marital status and economy. They also counted on lifestyle and health habits, including smoking, alcohol consumption, daily activities, level of cognitive function and degree of social participation.
The researchers concluded that only those who drank tea nearly daily from age 60 onwards had significant mental health benefits.
REFERENCES
Association between tea consumption and depressive symptoms among elderly Chinese
Habitual tea consumption modulates brain efficiency: evidence from brain connectivity assessment