Well, tea really does help to reduce a person's levels of anxiety. And it is very effective!
Of course I had to analyze HOW exactly tea is able to provide relief for the most anxious of us!
Here you go....
Just to start, a little orgo (AKA, O-Chem, organic chemistry), don't get scared, it's just a point, really!
The health benefits that are attributed to tea can be traced to a unique, neurologically-active amino acid in tea called L-theanine (gamma-ethylamino-L-glutamic acid).
Yep, that's it. That's the stuff, L-theanine.
L-theanine acts antagonistically against the stimulatory effects on the nervous system.
Here is exactly how a state of relaxation is produced when tea is consumed. What happens:
* L-theanine directly encourages the production of alpha brain waves. This immediately creates a deep state of relaxation along with high levels of mental alertness. L-theanine specifically relaxes the person into a rare form of a relaxation state only previously known to be attained through the practice of meditation.
* L-theanine is specifically required in the development of GABA (gamma amino butyric acid).
* GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that influences the levels of dopamine and serotonin.
* Specific levels of dopamine and serotonin are required to produce the deep relaxation state.
Viola! A deep state of relaxation has been achieved! Thanks to good old L-theanine!
I have actually found lots of reliable information indicating that the chemical properties in tea help to make a person more alert and active too!
Active, and alert, wait a minute, why did I ever drink Oolong Tea
? Well, never again, tea it is for me! Come on, where do the benefits stop?One last interesting tid bit, according to the most extensive studies being performed currently, just turning on the tea kettle and hearing the water boil can help a person start to relax!
WOW, now that is impressive! So, if you are ever going through any kind of emotional crisis, one thing you can always count on helping, turn on that kettle!
Not a bad alternative to the usual ice cream snack I tend to grab for emotional support, right?
