Good for the brain The antioxidants in green tea extract, especially EGCG, have been shown to protect brain cells from oxidative stress ( 13 ). This protection can help reduce brain damage that could lead to mental decline and brain diseases like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and dementia ( 13 , 14 , 15 ).
Conclusions: The reviewed studies presented evidence that green tea influences psychopathological symptoms (e.g. reduction of anxiety), cognition (e.g. benefits in memory and attention) and brain function (e.g. activation of working memory seen in functional MRI).
Matcha is also very high in l-theanine, a unique compound that reduces stress and helps produce a state of calm and focus. Together, the caffeine and l-theanine present in matcha work to improve cognitive function and clarity, making matcha an ideal tea for aiding studying and boosting brainpower.
Background: Green tea is traditionally known to induce mental clarity, cognitive function, physical activation and relaxation. Recently, a special green tea, matcha tea, is rapidly gaining popularity throughout the world and is frequently referred to as a mood- and brain food.
Green tea is packed full of health-promoting compounds. Regularly drinking green tea can help you lose weight and reduce your risk of several diseases, including diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Drinking three to five cups of green tea per day seems to be optimal to reap the most health benefits.
Different types of green tea, such as Matcha and Gyokuro green tea, have been studied to have large, natural concentrations of l-theanine and caffeine, which have the potential to work together to reduce stress and clear up brain fog.
1. Green tea. A favorite with tea drinkers everywhere, green tea has been praised for its medicinal properties for years. Some recent studies have now confirmed some of these benefits, suggesting that green tea may protect various aspects of our health.
Summary Green and matcha teas are sources of the anti-inflammatory polyphenol EGCG, which may reduce inflammation and symptoms associated with IBDs and other inflammation-driven chronic conditions.
People with peptic ulcers or acid reflux should not consume green tea excessively. A 1984 study concluded that tea is a potent stimulant of gastric acid, which can be reduced by adding milk and sugar. 2.
Green tea, in particular, has been shown to help individuals relax and concentrate more fully on tasks, without the jittery feeling that coffee can bring. Theanine has also been tested in the treatment of schizophrenia with some success in reducing anxiety and other symptoms. Tea can improve cognition and memory.
Green tea's caffeine works well with l-theanine to enhance brain function, including mood, vigilance, reaction time, and memory. Some people have a more even, focused energy that allows for better productivity when they drink green tea, compared with coffee, which has about three times the amount of caffeine.
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may enhance wound healing process.
Best for Overall Health: Green Tea
“Green tea is the champ when it comes to offering health benefits,” says Czerwony. “It's the Swiss Army knife of teas.
Matcha contains about three times more antioxidants than high quality regular green tea. As such, 2 cups (474 mL) of matcha may provide the same amounts of plant compounds as 20 cups (4.74 liters) of other green teas (3).
Health Benefits of Tea: Green, Black, and White Tea
The most potent of these, known as ECGC, may help against free radicals that can contribute to cancer, heart disease, and clogged arteries. All these teas also have caffeine and theanine, which affect the brain and seem to heighten mental alertness.
Chamomile and lavender are better known for helping anxiety. Although catnip and passionflower are primarily used to improve sleep quality, they may also aid in anxiety relief.
Green tea has potent antioxidant activities in vivo [3] and may thus confer protection against depression by decreasing oxidative stress [4]. Moreover, green tea catechins have been shown to exert anti-inflammatory actions [5] and to lower depression [6].
Green tea contains the amino acid l-theanine which increases not only serotonin, but levels of dopamine and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. Green tea also contains the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is a powerful antioxidant that acts to protect the brain from oxidative damage.
The green brew can also have a calming effect on your mind. Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea leaves, helps you relax and keep stress at bay. According to researchers, theanine also helps to reduce anxiety.
Additionally, studies suggest that both green tea extract and frequent consumption of green tea as a beverage can increase dopamine production and are associated with lower rates of depressive symptoms ( 35 , 36 ). Summary Green tea contains the amino acid L-theanine, which has been shown to increase dopamine levels.
In conclusion, green tea intake might reduce the risk of dementia, AD, MCI, or cognitive impairment. Easily modified lifestyle habits like green tea intake may be considered to reduce the risk of these diseases.
Catechins also seem to play a role in weight management: One study found that people who drank green tea lowered their body fat percentage and body mass index in just 12 weeks.