A new study shows that elderly people who often drink green tea have more flexible bodies and stronger independence than other seniors, because green tea helps reduce the risk of physical function decline and mobility limitations. The study, published in a recent issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, was conducted by researchers from Tohoku University in Japan.
Over the past three years, researchers followed a study of more than 14,000 elderly people aged 65 and older. They found that the elderly who drank the most green tea were the least likely to experience physical function decline. These seniors had stronger self-care abilities in their daily lives, such as dressing and bathing without needing help from others.
The study also found that among those who drank less than one cup of green tea a day, 13% experienced a decline in physical function. In contrast, among those who drank at least five cups of green tea a day, only 7% showed physical function decline or mobility limitations.
Previously, another study found that elderly women who often drink green tea can help strengthen leg muscle strength.
The researchers pointed out that the study does not prove that the results are purely due to green tea, or if there are other reasons. Because green tea lovers often also have healthy diets and lifestyle habits. For example, they tend to eat more fish, vegetables, and fruits. In addition, they generally have higher education levels, few are smokers, they have a lower probability of developing heart disease or stroke, and their mental clarity is better than average. However, even after considering potential influencing factors, the significant association between drinking green tea and a lower risk of physical function decline still exists.