People have used green tea as a relaxing and sometimes ceremonial beverage. Organic tea is increasingly available, quelling concerns about chemical fertilizer and insecticide residues in non-organic teas. Scientists lately have found that green tea may have health-promoting benefits, so drink up and enjoy. However, the scientific research is still preliminary, so avoid using green tea to treat any disease or condition.
Menopausal Symptoms Relief
According to an article published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine," green tea may be helpful in combating the symptoms of menopause in healthy women. Women between 45 and 65 were given a morning and evening capsule containing green tea and other herbs. By the end of the second week of the study, the number of hot flashes the women experienced dropped by almost 50 percent. The capsules also significantly benefited their quality of sleep. If your menopausal symptoms are severe or persistent, consult a health care professional.
Anxiety Relief
Green tea is a rich source of L-theanine, an amino acid. L-theanine is known to increase GABA, a neurotransmitter that decreases anxiety and depression. An article in "Biological Psychology" described a laboratory study in which volunteers were purposely put under stress and then given L-theanine. The L-theanine significantly reduced both psychological and physiological signs of stress in the volunteers. The caffeine in green tea can cause the jitters, though, so if you want green tea's calming effects, choose the decaffeinated kind.
High Blood Pressure Prevention
A study published in the "Archives of Internal Medicine" showed that habitual green or oolong tea drinkers, defined as those who drank at least 2/3 of a cup daily, had a 46 percent lower risk of developing high blood pressure. The risk was reduced further by 65 percent in those who drank over 2 and 2/3 cups a day. These results are in line with traditional Chinese medicine, in which green tea has long been used as an anti-hypertensive. These benefits were seen with tea brewed at a moderate strength.
References
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Morning/Evening Menopausal Formula Relieves Menopausal Symptoms: a Pilot Study; J. Sun; June 2003
- "Biological Psychology"; L-Theanine Reduces Psychological and Physiological Stress Responses; K Kimura et al; January 2007
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; The Protective Effect of Habitual Tea Consumption on Hypertension; Y. Yang et al; July 2004
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