So, what do we know about healthy aging tips? Aging is a natural part of life, but there are ways you can embrace it gracefully and maintain optimum health as the years go by.
Many factors impact healthy aging – some of which are in your control and others that are not. Let's focus on what's within reach. Specifically, how drinking matcha green tea can benefit older adults.
There has been a large amount of research, supported by the National Institute on Aging, that suggests certain daily habits may help manage and maintain your quality of life as you age.
One such habit may be incorporating matcha green tea into your daily routine. Matcha, a finely ground powdered and highly potent green tea, has gained popularity for its long list of supportive health benefits.
Keep reading as we explore seven compelling and well-studied reasons why you may want to consider drinking Japanese matcha green tea daily to promote healthy aging.
8 ways studies suggest matcha green tea may promote healthy aging
1) Slows down skin aging
Our skin tends to show signs of wear and tear as we age. So, does green tea make you look younger? Rich in vitamin B2 and antioxidants – which have both been studied to help firm and tighten the appearance of aging skin – green tea is considered part of an effective anti-aging regimen when consumed and applied topically, potentially help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
One notable peer-reviewed study also highlighted green tea as an abundant source of polyphenols, which exhibit effects that combat oxidative stress, premature skin aging, and even tumor formation.
Furthermore, other research suggests green tea is rich in vital skin proteins that help protect the skin's elastin and collagen and may help keep skin looking youthful, radiant, and smooth.
Check out our article here to learn more about matcha's skincare benefits.
We also have a great article mapping out five easy and effective matcha face masks to make at home and enjoy the skin health benefits of green tea topically.
2) Addresses the risk of cognitive decline with age
Cognitive decline is an all too common concern that comes along with aging.
Results from an NIA-Funded study suggest that researchers have discovered how a molecule found in green tea can help break apart the fibrous tangles of the protein tau, often associated with Alzheimer's disease. The scientists believe that the study results suggest that the molecule epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) found in green tea is the one responsible for helping untangle the tau fibers. However, it's important to note that EGCG alone is not an effective treatment against Alzheimer's as it cannot easily penetrate the brain.
Another notable epidemiological study in Japan suggests that the daily consumption of green tea may help improve cognitive impairment with age, beneficial to working memory.
However, a systematic review examining the association between green tea intake and dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and mild cognitive impairment concluded further results from well-designed studies are needed to derive more robust evidence.
Read more about matcha and cognitive health here. Matcha also contains a lot of l-theanine, which has been studied to have cognitive-enhancing effects.
3) Defends against the risk of cardiovascular conditions
Maintaining a healthy heart is crucial for overall well-being as you age– and several studies have suggested that green tea may have protective effects against various common cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
One notable systematic review and meta-analysis study over 12 weeks found that green tea supplementation among men and women helped lower cardiometabolic risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
Specifically, scientists have focused on exploring green tea catechins' role in preventing various vascular diseases and underlying mechanisms.
Several studies suggest that ingesting just 2 cups of unsweetened tea daily may have massive potential to support against cardiometabolic risk in adults. Green tea — specifically matcha— has been studied to be effective at helping balance out cholesterol levels.
Read more about matcha and heart health here, and you can also compare how green tea vs. coffee impacts heart health.
4) Promotes healthier bones & joints
What was once a minor fall slipping off a pair of shoes or a bump against the kitchen countertop in your thirties could cause a painful and debilitating bone fracture after age fifty. Taking preventative measures to help fracture-proof your skeletal frame becomes a priority with age, with the natural process of aging taking a toll on your bones and joints.
Research indicates that the blend of bioactive compounds present in matcha green tea holds the potential to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms linked to osteoporosis and osteoarthritis while contributing to the development of sturdier bones.
While additional studies involving human subjects are needed to confirm the precise capacity of green tea to support the body against fractures caused by bone loss, a robust amount of evidence suggests that consistent consumption of Japanese green tea in adequate quantities may benefit your bone and joint health.
Learn more about matcha green tea for better bone health here.
5) Reduces stress and alleviates anxiety
Sure, you blow out more and more candles on a cake annually to indicate your age – but how old are you really?
Did you know your biological age can increase due to stress? Causing inflammation and damage to your DNA cells, high stress levels can accelerate aging. Luckily, your biological age can also return to baseline if you take the appropriate steps to manage it.
Research indicates that green tea, which contains L-theanine, an amino acid shown to promote relaxation, may help alleviate anxiety, and reduce stress within minutes after ingestion.
L-theanine impacts brain chemistry, helping promote a more relaxed and focused state of mind. Plus, we find the actual practice of preparing and enjoying matcha is an act of meditation.
Studies also shown that matcha powder contains much higher levels of L-theanine than loose-leaf green teas, which may benefit those with social anxiety, panic disorder, and general anxiety disorder. You can read more about the differences between matcha and green tea here.
Learn more about how matcha naturally lowers anxiety here.
6) Promotes better oral health
Cavities are more common as you age – partly because receding gums and dry mouth are more prevalent in older adults. Your mouth may produce less and less saliva as you get older – or you may be on medication that has the side effect of dry mouth.
Many studies, as well as a systematic review, on oral health and aging show that over half of seniors suffer moderate to severe periodontal disease. Plus, there is increasing evidence of a link between periodontal disease and common chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Taking good care of your gums and teeth as you age can help prevent common problems such as tooth decay, loss, and toothaches. Plus, a healthier mouth makes it easier to continue eating nourishing and delicious foods as you age.
Your oral health is an integral part of overall health, and studies have shown that drinking matcha green tea may help address tooth decay – especially when compared to coffee.
Matcha green tea has antibacterial properties that may contribute to healthier teeth and gums. Learn more about how drinking matcha green tea may benefit oral health here.
7) Exhibits anticancer properties
Studies show that your cancer risk can increase as you age, with most types of cancer becoming more common as your body's cells are damaged over time.
Luckily, health experts also agree that many cancer cases associated with age can be prevented with healthy lifestyle changes to your daily routine. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), EGCG found in green tea may help defend cells from DNA damage by activating detoxification enzymes that thwart tumor growth, helping promote cancer cell destruction.
Researchers have also found a link between the high concentration of catechins in matcha helping to preserve skin against UV radiation – which helps reduce a significant risk of skin cancer.
All forms of green tea are rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which may play a role in protecting against certain types of cancer.
Learn more about matcha's potential anticancer properties here.
8) Displays antidepressant-like effects
Did you know that older adults have a greater chance of experiencing depression, though it’s often misdiagnosed and underrated?
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 80% of older adults suffer from at least one chronic health conditions — and depression is much more common in people who suffer from other illnesses that restrict people’s quality of life.
Studies among Japanese populations have suggested that green tea may exert protective effects against depression, with animal studies demonstrating green tea polyphenols having anti depression-life effects.
Furthermore, there is also one notable study done on mice published in March 2023 that found mice who were given matcha tea after a period of isolation were less stressed than mice not given matcha tea. Thus, researchers concluded that matcha powder seems to provide an antidepressant-like effect by triggering the dopamine system of the brain.
The final word | Is green tea good for anti-aging?
Embracing healthy aging is a goal we can all strive for, and peer-reviewed studies suggest that incorporating matcha green tea into your daily routine may be a delicious and beneficial step.
With its potential to slow down skin aging, reduce the risk of age-related diseases, and support overall well-being, matcha green tea may be a powerful ally in your journey towards a healthy and vibrant life as you age. Whether you are in your teens trying to stay ahead of aging or are looking for easy, healthy aging tips for seniors on behalf of a parent, we suggest asking your healthcare provider about integrating matcha into your daily routine.
EXTRA RESOURCES
Disclaimer:
These statements in this blog post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.
References:
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