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.
Tea catechins — antioxidants such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) — account for up to 42% of the dry weight of brewed green tea, and the amino acid l-theanine makes up around 3%. EGCG is thought to make people feel calmer and improve memory and attention when consumed on its own.
Matcha. Most teas made from the camellia sinensis plant contain some amount of L-theanine, a unique amino acid that promotes relaxation and stress relief. In particular, matcha has even higher levels of L-theanine than other teas, the result of the shaded growth period the tea undergoes before harvest.
A 2013 animal study suggested that green tea consumption increases dopamine and serotonin, which have been linked to reducing symptoms of depression.
However, people with anxiety, insomnia, and panic disorders should consider choosing green tea over coffee due to its lower caffeine content and because it contains L-theanine — an amino acid that promotes a state of calm alertness ( 53 , 54).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Green tea contains small amounts of vitamin K. This means it may decrease how well blood thinner medicines work. Since green tea acts as a mild stimulant, you shouldn't use it with other stimulants. It may change the effects of other medicines.
Green tea may also help promote sleep quality and quantity. Theanine is believed to be the main sleep-promoting compound in green tea. It works by reducing stress-related hormones and neuron excitement in your brain, which allows your brain to relax ( 3 , 11 , 12 , 13 ).
l-theanine (γ-glutamylethylamide), an amino acid in green tea, has been shown to affect brain functions by relieving stress disorders, improving mood, and maintaining normal sleep.
Although there are no reported side effects from taking L-theanine, consuming large amounts of green tea can cause nausea, irritability, and GI upset because of the caffeine content.
GREEN TEA HELPS BRAIN FUNCTION
The caffeine in green tea acts as a stimulant. Not only do we feel more energetic after drinking coffee or tea, but green tea is knownn to improve the function of the brain, including reaction time, mood, and productivity.
According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, green tea contains many mood-boosting nutrients including the amino acid L-theanine, which has been linked to reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
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).
Thinking about something that makes you feel good can help increase serotonin in your brain, which can help promote an improved mood in general. Try: visualizing a happy moment from your memory. thinking about a positive experience you had with loved ones.
A regular cup of green tea naturally contains about 25 mg of L-theanine. In supplements, you can find pills with as much as 500 mg per serving.
Blueberries
When we're anxious and stressed, our bodies crave vitamin C to help repair and protect our cells, and blueberries are packed full of it. Small but mighty, blueberries are bursting with antioxidants and vitamin C which have been shown to provide anxiety relief.
A natural flush for your system, antioxidant-rich green tea will help your body increase the production of detoxification properties. Whilst also boosting your immune system while protecting your liver from the damaging effects of toxic substances such as alcohol.
The Bottom Line. 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.