Could adding this vitamin to your green tea help protect your brain?
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your health regimen.
Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of families, slowly erasing precious memories and independence.
Many have watched it unfold in a loved one—or maybe you're taking active steps to protect your own brain health.
While researchers are still searching for a cure, new findings suggest that some everyday habits may help make a difference.
Surprisingly, one of those might already be in your cup.
Here’s what scientists have discovered about green tea, a common vitamin, and their possible connection to Alzheimer’s prevention.
Green tea has long been prized for its calming flavor and health perks.
But over the past several years, researchers have focused on EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate)—a powerful antioxidant found in green tea.
EGCG helps fight inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are linked to brain aging and cognitive decline.
Now, a new study from the University of California, Irvine reveals something even more intriguing: when EGCG is combined with nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, it may help aging brain cells perform better at clearing out amyloid-beta—a sticky protein associated with Alzheimer’s.
As we get older, our brain cells gradually lose energy—especially a molecule called GTP (guanosine triphosphate) that helps power essential cellular cleanup.
When GTP runs low, the brain struggles to remove harmful buildup like amyloid-beta, which is known to form plaques in Alzheimer’s patients.
Researchers found that when aging brain cells in lab tests were treated with both EGCG and nicotinamide, their GTP levels were restored to near-youthful levels.
These re-energized cells became more effective at clearing amyloid-beta.
While this research is still in early stages and has only been tested in lab settings so far, the results offer new hope in the ongoing fight against Alzheimer’s.
Here’s a closer look at why green tea continues to gain attention from neurologists and researchers:
Want to turn your daily cup into a brain-friendly ritual? Here are some simple tips:
Alzheimer’s is a deeply complex condition, and while green tea and nicotinamide show promise, they are not a cure.
The research so far has been limited to lab studies, so it will take more time and testing before any definitive claims can be made.
Still, the idea that a simple, affordable beverage could play a role in brain health is both encouraging and worth exploring.
And even if the memory benefits take more time to prove, green tea already supports heart health, blood pressure, and stress reduction—reasons enough to make it part of your daily routine.
Read next: Discover the 5 teas experts swear by to supercharge your immunity and keep you healthy!
Do you drink green tea every day? Have you tried combining it with vitamin B3 or added any other new habits to your routine for brain health?
Maybe you have a question about supplements or want to share how Alzheimer’s has affected someone close to you. Share your story in the comments—we’re stronger when we learn from each other.
Alzheimer’s disease affects millions of families, slowly erasing precious memories and independence.
Many have watched it unfold in a loved one—or maybe you're taking active steps to protect your own brain health.
While researchers are still searching for a cure, new findings suggest that some everyday habits may help make a difference.
Surprisingly, one of those might already be in your cup.
Here’s what scientists have discovered about green tea, a common vitamin, and their possible connection to Alzheimer’s prevention.
A daily cup of green tea might offer more than just comfort—it could help protect your memory. Image Source: Pexels / Agelos Grigoriou.
Green tea: a time-honored drink with modern brain benefits
Green tea has long been prized for its calming flavor and health perks.
But over the past several years, researchers have focused on EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate)—a powerful antioxidant found in green tea.
EGCG helps fight inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are linked to brain aging and cognitive decline.
Now, a new study from the University of California, Irvine reveals something even more intriguing: when EGCG is combined with nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, it may help aging brain cells perform better at clearing out amyloid-beta—a sticky protein associated with Alzheimer’s.
Also read: Unlock the secret to longevity with this obscure "immortality herb"—why it may be a better option than green tea!
How green tea and vitamin B3 might work together
As we get older, our brain cells gradually lose energy—especially a molecule called GTP (guanosine triphosphate) that helps power essential cellular cleanup.
When GTP runs low, the brain struggles to remove harmful buildup like amyloid-beta, which is known to form plaques in Alzheimer’s patients.
Researchers found that when aging brain cells in lab tests were treated with both EGCG and nicotinamide, their GTP levels were restored to near-youthful levels.
These re-energized cells became more effective at clearing amyloid-beta.
While this research is still in early stages and has only been tested in lab settings so far, the results offer new hope in the ongoing fight against Alzheimer’s.
Also read: Unlock the secret to optimal health: Discover which tea can transform your well-being
What makes green tea so promising?
Here’s a closer look at why green tea continues to gain attention from neurologists and researchers:
- Targeted support: EGCG appears to slow the build-up of amyloid-beta and tau proteins—two key drivers of Alzheimer’s.
- Lower dementia risk: Observational studies show that regular green tea drinkers may have up to a 25% lower risk of developing dementia.
- Brain structure support: A Japanese study found that older adults who drank three or more cups a day had fewer white matter lesions—tiny changes in the brain linked to cognitive decline.
Also read: Chocolate and tea: The surprising health duo you need to know
How to get the most from your green tea
Want to turn your daily cup into a brain-friendly ritual? Here are some simple tips:
- Stick to plain green tea — Aim for 3 to 5 cups per day to match the range seen in most studies.
- Consider vitamin B3 — Nicotinamide supplements are available over the counter, but consult your doctor before starting anything new.
- Stay consistent — As with most healthy habits, long-term consistency matters more than a one-time boost.
- Cover your health bases — Keep up with exercise, good sleep, a nutritious diet, and mentally stimulating activities. No supplement is a silver bullet.
- Talk with your doctor — Especially if you’re taking medications or managing a chronic condition, it’s best to check before adding any new supplement.
Also read: This miracle drink can slash your dementia risk and combat cancer and heart disease! Are you drinking it yet?
What to keep in mind
Alzheimer’s is a deeply complex condition, and while green tea and nicotinamide show promise, they are not a cure.
The research so far has been limited to lab studies, so it will take more time and testing before any definitive claims can be made.
Still, the idea that a simple, affordable beverage could play a role in brain health is both encouraging and worth exploring.
And even if the memory benefits take more time to prove, green tea already supports heart health, blood pressure, and stress reduction—reasons enough to make it part of your daily routine.
Read next: Discover the 5 teas experts swear by to supercharge your immunity and keep you healthy!
Do you drink green tea every day? Have you tried combining it with vitamin B3 or added any other new habits to your routine for brain health?
Maybe you have a question about supplements or want to share how Alzheimer’s has affected someone close to you. Share your story in the comments—we’re stronger when we learn from each other.
