Eliminate Depression with Green Tea

Researchers know that green tea is an incredibly rich source of antioxidants, but its depression-fighting properties can be traced to an amino acid known as theanine, says Talbott. “Theanine is an amino acid naturally found in tea leaves that provide an anti-stress relaxation benefit to tea drinkers,” he adds. “The presence of theanine in green tea is thought to be responsible for the observation that caffeine intake in coffee drinkers (who aren’t getting theanine) is more apt to result in tension as opposed to the ‘relaxed alertness’ more common to tea drinkers.”

If you aren’t drinking green tea yet, this is your year to start.

New studies have revealed more reasons why green tea is such a “hot” item. It has long been praised for its antioxidant power, which can prevent the damage of our cells. And with its established cancer-fighting, happiness-boosting and brain-saving abilities, the benefits of green tea are numerous and compelling, with this ancient drink now being shown to help protect DNA, your teeth, and maybe even your body after a workout.

There are many ways to enjoy this powerful drink, whether you have it as a matcha green tea latte, mixed with flavors like pomegranate or blueberry, or as the classic loose-leaf version. Steeped green tea at a warm (not boiling) temperature gives our body the potent flavonoids that provide many of the benefits listed here, says Ara Wiseman, an expert nutritionist and author who specializes in disease prevention. Research says by having an average of two to three cups a day, you can reap the rewards of this delicious drink.

So sit back, grab a cup and learn more about reasons to make green tea part of your daily routine.

Source: The Huffington Post Canada  |  By Amy Legate-Wolfe