I’m fairly certain that you’ve heard about the health benefits of green tea by now. Various studies have shown that green tea can boost metabolic rates (translation: promote weight loss!), enhance immunity, improve cardiovascular health, reduce risk of various cancers and sharpen mental functioning.
One of the most significant mental health benefits of green tea is it’s ability to help reduce anxiety. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 18% of the adult population in the United States suffers with an anxiety disorder in any given calendar year. Many people living with anxiety haven’t been formally diagnosed by a mental health professional and aren’t receiving formal treatment or support.
Although the clinical standards for the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder and other anxiety disorders include psychotherapy and medication, green tea can be an effective adjunct or alternative to traditional treatment.
So how in the world can green tea help reduce my anxiety, you ask? Green tea contains an amino acid, L-Theanine, that has been shown to:
- induce a calming effect
- promote deeper relaxation without feeling groggy
- enhance concentration
- relieve insomnia and induce restful sleep
- delay the onset of panic attacks (*information obtained from an anecdotal survey of mental health practitioners)
According to Dr. Andrew Weil, the recommended daily dose of L-Theanine is between 50mg-200mg per day. Most American green teas contain 10mg-12mg of the amino acid per cup, so be sure to drink 4-5 cups of green tea daily to reap the most benefit. And be wary of supplements that claim to contain high levels of L-Theanine. Most brands contain ingredients other than L-Theanine that aren’t as effective, and may cause side effects. It’s best to get your L-Theanine by drinking green tea.
Are you a green tea drinker? How has your health improved as a result of daily green tea consumption? Be sure to leave your feedback in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you!
