It’s easy to get taken in by the headlines, and this past week’s news had many about the brain benefits derived from drinking tea. Reporting in the journal Aging, researchers from the National University of Singapore published findings from a small study of 36 older adults that examined the efficiency of communication in different regions of the brain of tea drinkers versus non-tea drinkers. While the study did find evidence of a positive effect on brain structure from tea drinking, we are likely a long way from demonstrating definitive proof that tea drinking will save you from the cognitive decline associated with aging. For a more tempered interpretation of this study, put down your teacup and take a look here.

Yet the mainstream media is full of articles touting the benefits of tea for a range of physical and emotional conditions. In particular, there have been studies supporting the health benefits of green tea, including those cited in a recent article in Healthline touting 10 proven benefits. Perhaps the most definitive statement that can be made about the health benefits of tea drinking is that if you believe it will be of help, then that placebo effect may be just the remedy you need to feel better. For an example of this suggestion, boil some water and take a look at this recent post on chamomile tea.