Green tea is rich in antioxidant catechins (EGCG) and the amino acid theanine. Research suggests that green tea may reduce inflammation and stress as well as prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and other chronic diseases. Now research reports that drinking green tea may reduce the risk of depression.
The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined the association between green tea consumption and depression. Researchers at the Tohoku University in Japan surveyed 1,058 Japanese men and women aged 70 and older. Dietary questionnaire responses were obtained from the participants and depressive symptoms were evaluated. Blood samples were also obtained and analyzed for C-reactive protein (an inflammatory marker).
The researchers that 27 percent of men and 29 percent of women had mild and severe depression, while 15 percent of men and 24 percent of women had severe depression. Furthermore, participants who drank four or more cups of green tea daily were 44 percent less likely to have mild and severe depression and 52 percent less likely to have severe depression. There was no association between green tea and C-reactive protein.
"A more frequent consumption of green tea was associated with a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms in the community-dwelling older population," the study authors conclude.
The researchers propose that the reduced risk of depression may be due to the amino acid theanine found in green tea. Theanine may increase the brain neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, helping improve mood and the stress response.
Exulin Alleviates Depression
Nutritional deficiencies can contribute to the symptoms of depression. An effective way to alleviate depression is to take natural nutrients, along with following a healthy diet and exercise plan.
Progressive Health's Exulin contains clinically evaluated nutrients such as L-phenylalanine, rhodiola rosea, vitamin B6, folic acid, methylcobalamin, St John's Wort and gingko biloba. Exulin restores nutrient deficiencies associated with depression, alleviates depression symptoms, and promotes increases in the neurotransmitters responsible for positive mood.
Leave a comment