Can Green Tea Help Ease Anxiety and Depression?
Anxiety and depression are becoming increasingly common mental health issues affecting millions of people across the globe. Unsurprisingly, there are hundreds of potential natural remedies available, with green tea being one of the most popular. But do the benefits hold up to scientific scrutiny?
What is Green Tea?
Green tea is a type of tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant, of which there are three main varieties: Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. It is prepared by steaming fresh leaves, then drying them and lightly pan-roasting them. This is how it differs from regular black tea, which is fermented and oxidised to give it its unique flavour.
Green Tea and Mental Health
Research has shown that green tea has a number of potential benefits for mental health. Drinking green tea has been linked to better mood, lower stress levels, improved cognitive function, and reduced levels of anxiety. It contains antioxidants, which protect against cell damage, and the natural compounds catechins and theanine, both of which are known to reduce anxiety and depression.
The Science Behind Green Teas Benefits
A number of studies have looked at the effects of green tea on mental health. A review of several studies found that green tea had a positive effect on cognitive function in people with dementia, and another study showed that drinking green tea helped reduce levels of cortisol, a hormone that affects stress levels.
There have also been studies into the effects of green tea on anxiety and depression. One study found that drinking green tea was associated with lower levels of stress and lower levels of depression. And a systematic review of several studies found that those who drank green tea had lower levels of stress and better psychological wellbeing.
The Bottom Line
The evidence for green tea’s effects on mental health is promising. Its natural compounds and antioxidants can help to reduce levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. While it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, drinking green tea can be an effective natural remedy to help improve your mental wellbeing.
Recommendations
If you’re looking to make green tea part of your regular health routine, there are a few things to consider:
- Choose the right quality: Make sure to buy high-quality green tea, as lower-quality varieties may not provide the same health benefits.
- Steep correctly: Over-steeping green tea can reduce its beneficial properties. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal results.
- Limit caffeine: Too much caffeine can cause jitters and nervousness. Try drinking decaffeinated varieties of green tea, or limiting your caffeine intake.
To summarise, there is evidence to suggest that green tea can help ease anxiety and depression. However, it is important to remember that it is no substitute for professional medical advice from a doctor or therapist. But if you’re looking to add a natural remedy to your health routine, then green tea could be worth a try.
