Green Tea and Parkinson's Disease

by Joan
(Biddeford, Maine USA)

Can green tea help with Parkinson Disease? Having just been diagnosed with Parkinson's at the age of 53, I am most interested in the ongoing research of green tea and it ablitiy to help the brain repair it's self.

Do you know of any other information about these studies and were I might find them? Are other forms of tea, or is it just green tea, beneficial?

Answer:

Joan, I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I would do my utmost to help.

Fortunately, the answer to your question is a convincing yes!

Of course, the usual caveat "studies are at an early stage" apply. But ask any scientists and doctors, I think they too will say "yes"!

Here is why...

If you haven't done so, have a read this article on how green tea can help Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

The reason why tea is so portent is because it contains EGCG, theanine and caffeine - all three compounds have been found to be beneficial to the brains.

Here is further information on theanine.

When you do a google search on "tea and parkinson", or have a look at the Pubmed website (try searching "pubmed tea parkinson"), you will discover further studies and research on green tea.

As far as I am aware, green tea brain benefits is most evidenced by scientific studies, although I usually recommend having a mixed tea diet consisting of different types of Camellia sinensis
i.e. green tea, white tea, oolong tea and black tea.

Among them, green tea (and possibily white tea) are the most promising because they contain the most EGCG (this tea compounds has been found to help brain cells regenerate).

These light coloured teas also contain the most theanine (helps you to relax - happy mind, healthier body, that is for sure).

A good idea is to vary your tea beverage by season, drinking darker tea during colder weather. Personally, I only drink white tea during summer as it is basically an "uncooked" tea (made with very little heat).

I hope this help. If you have further question, please feel free to add to the comment below.