London: Drinking three cups of tea every day could cut your risk of developing Alzheimer's, according to a study.

A cup of tea, or three, can help prevent Alzheimer's disease, research suggests. Credit:iStock

Researchers in the United States have identified a link to flavonols, an antioxidant found in plant pigments that is present in nearly all fruits and vegetables, as well as tea.

For an average of six years, they tracked what more than 900 elderly people ate and drank and monitored who went on to develop Alzheimer's.

They were divided into five groups based on flavonol in their diet. Those in the group, which had an average age of 81, who ingested the most were 48 per cent less likely to succumb.