It seems like the British had the right idea, tea really is the answer to all our problems. According to a new study, drinking three cups of tea a day can keep dementia at bay. This can reverse the oxidative damage caused to your health. Whether your potion is green, black, or white, the antioxidants are said to work their way up to your brain and beyond. Tea drinking may become a mandate for the elderly bracing to save themselves against mental cognitive decline.

The Supporting Data

For this study, researchers gathered 377,592 participants aged between 45-73. The study consisted of a tea-based questionnaire on the number of cups and the type of tea consumed by them. Based on the information, six groups were created and they were to follow up after nine years. Those with dementia symptoms were excluded from the study. The observations concluded that tea drinkers had 16 percent more protection against dementia compared to the non-drinkers. However, not every tea drinker benefited from their daily cuppa. Those who consumed three to four cups a day showed no signs of dementia but those who drank more than six cups daily developed dementia risk.

The Science Behind the Study

Camellia sinensis, the tea plant, is known to produce an antioxidant called Catechin, which plays a key role in the protection of nerves. The science of tea explains how the antioxidants in tea fight the free radicals that cause cell damage, thereby reducing oxidative stress on the brain. It has been studied that antioxidants combat inflammation in the brain and indirectly prevent dementia. The caffeine in tea, though lower than coffee, does have a mechanism that works against neural damage. However, it may help to remember that the research was based on self-test as the candidates were not monitored. It is better to consult your medical practitioner before adding milk or sweetener to your tea.

We all know that water does a ton for our body, from helping our brains function to aiding digestion. But is helping your skin stay hydrated one of them? We often ponder the question and get confused over mixed feedback. But not anymore! Let’s check out, what medical experts weigh in about drinking copious water as the secret of pore-less skin.

Fact or Myth?

According to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a NY-based dermatologist, it is a myth! When we drink water, it directly enters our bloodstream and is then filtered by our kidneys. But in the case of moisturizing skin, it falls short. It doesn’t reach the skin cells to fill up the inadequacy of hydration there, hence doing nothing to replenish our skin! San Francisco-based dermatologist Dr. Katie Rodan puts it best, that humans do not have systems, not like plants! So, it’s time to stop thinking that consuming water will lead to better skin.

Cause of Skin Dryness

It is, however, completely true, that our skin gets “thirsty.” Skin is also made of cells like the rest of our body, and cells are largely made of water. Through our daily chores, physical activities, and environmental pollution, our cells lose water throughout the day. This results in dry skin with a flakey texture, leaving it more prone to aging, fine lines, and other unhealthy skin conditions.

The Solution

There is no possible way to tackle the skin’s dryness from within. As skin expert Charlotte Palermino explains, ‘Transepidermal Water Loss’ or TEWL is the function of water retention in our skin. In the case of dry skin, the cell barriers are likely impaired or weak, which means there are not enough lipids or oil in the skin to hold on to the cell water. And at this point, oral hydration is not going to work, as the solution is topical rather than internal. So, applying a dollop of moisturizer is far more effective here than gulping gallons of water.