Compound In This Popular Drink Shows Promise in Protecting the Brain from Alzheimer’s

According to a report by Vishwam Sankaran in Yahoo News, scientists have discovered that compounds found in everyday foods and drinks may help protect the brain from age-related decline and Alzheimer’s disease. The study, published in GeroScience, focused on nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant found in green tea.

Researchers tested these compounds on aged nerve cells and found that within just 24 hours, they were able to restore energy levels to those typically seen in younger cells. The restored energy boosted the cells’ ability to clear away amyloid beta protein clusters—widely recognized as a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. Gregory Brewer, the study’s lead author, explained that brain cells lose energy as people age, limiting their natural ability to clean out damaged components. By supplementing these systems with natural compounds, the team observed a rejuvenation effect that could open the door to non-drug treatments.

This is particularly exciting because EGCG is already widely consumed through green tea, which has long been linked to health benefits including reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. Nicotinamide, too, is available as a dietary supplement. While researchers caution that more work is needed to determine the best delivery methods—since some forms of nicotinamide aren’t effective when taken orally—the findings point to a hopeful, plant-based strategy for combating neurodegeneration.

For eco-conscious readers, this study reinforces the power of plant-based diets and natural compounds in protecting long-term health. Choosing more plant-derived foods and drinks not only benefits the planet but may also safeguard our brains as we age. By shifting away from heavily processed animal products and toward nutrient-rich, plant-based options, we can Support both human health and a more sustainable future.

Sign These Petitions! 

Please sign our latest and most urgent petitions to help the planet. Every signature counts!

• Petition: Ban Alleged Abuser from Ever Owning Animals Again
• Petition: Ban Cruel Bear-Baiting Barrels in Michigan Now
• Petition: Shut Down the Farm That Allegedly Tortured Sophie the Donkey

Related Content:

•  Plastic Pollution Study Warns of Alarming Health Risks
•  Top 5 Green Foods to Supercharge Your Gut Health Today!
•  Why Floating Poop Might Be a Red Flag for Your Health
•  How to Brew Refreshing Health-Boosting Sun Tea at Home!

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Adopt-a-Pet: Visit WildWatchers, a watchdog platform specifically designed for animal, earth, and wildlife warriors to actively give back, rescue, and protect animals and the planet.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Stand against fast fashion Pollution by supporting circular brands like Tiny Rescue, which create cause-based collections using recycled, zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade, ensuring it never ends up in a landfill.
• Shop Sustainably for Your Home: Visit SustaiNOBLE.org, an eco-friendly and ethically sourced home decor store that will empower your home with luxurious fair-trade, and sustainable products made by global artisans. 
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!