Study looks into how tea could give your brain and mind wellness a gentle lift.
2-3 cups of black and green tea a day can help boost brain and mind health.
“The various compounds within tea include alkaloids, flavonoids, amino acids such as L. theanine, vitamins A, C and K and phenolic acids. In one study the inhalation of black tea aroma (Darjeeling and Assam) reduced salivary chromogranin-A levels (a stress marker) when participants were subject to 30 minutes of mental arithmetic stress.”
“The amino acid L-theanine is a key component in black, oolong and green tea and works synergistically with caffeine, by thwarting the ‘jittery’ effect caffeine has on the body, whilst still helping to improve focus and reducing anxiety and stress. – Lead co-author, GP, Dr Gill Jenkins and an advisor to TAP
The research commissioned by the Tea Advisory Panel analysed black, oolong and green tea, focusing on the benefits they provide for our brain, mental wellbeing and cognition.
A staggering two thirds of the world population are tea drinkers, so this promising research will be welcome news to most, who may now decide to reap the benefits of 2-3 cups of tea a day.
Dr Gill Jenkins notes that further work is needed with participants who have a diagnosed mental health condition such as clinical depression, before ‘firm conclusions’ can be made. Plus, the composition of teas can vary and fluctuate depending on climate, tea leaves, species, seasons and horticultural practices.
“Just 50mg of L-theanine was shown to provide benefits. As one cup of black tea provides around 20mg of L-theanine, just 2-3 cups of black tea a day led to participants showing improved attention and mental stimulation.
“One study actually showed how higher levels of L-theanine and caffeine (100mg and 50mg respectively) lead to participants undertaking fewer errors during tasks than participants given placebo L-theanine and caffeine intervention. Another amino acid, γ-Aminobutyric aminobutyric acid (GABA), is present in green tea leaves and has been found to reduce stress levels bought on by mental tasks.” – Lead co-author, GP, Dr Gill Jenkins and an advisor to TAP
So overall, the evidence is clear: 2-3 cups of tea a day may help alleviate stress and anxiety which is great news for our brain health, whilst keeping people focused and calm.
www.teaadvisorypanel.com
