Okinawa, Japan, is one of the world’s five Blue Zones. These five zones are where you can find the longest-living people on the planet. And maybe one of the reasons why Japanese people out-live others and enjoy healthy lives is because of all the green tea they drink every day.  

Among it’s many health benefits, green tea helps fight against free radicals in the brain. And even though free radicals have become a bit of a buzz word and trend in the health and wellness industry, if you’re not sure what they are, no worries.

Here’s a quick review about free radicals.

Free radicals are basically uncharged molecules that the body produces. The only problem is they’re unstable because they’re incomplete. To make up for that, they go to the other cells in your body looking for chemicals – especially electrons – to make them whole again.

When free radicals take electrons from your body’s cells, it leads to damaged DNA and cellular membranes. In short, free radicals seek to find their missing part and in doing so, they rob electrons from your healthy cells, which contributes to aging cells.

But green tea can actually help to protect your brain from getting sacked by free radicals. One reason for this is because of the plant-based compound called, flavonoid epicatechin, present in green tea. Research has found that it can improve memory and protect the brain cells since it’s one of the special flavonoids that can cross the blood-brain barrier.

So, the next time you’re in line at Starbucks, consider trying one of their tasty green teas rather than coffee and support your brain and its fight against free radicals.