Stress fighting Wonder drug : Green Tea

We are still talking about stress................. Remember?

I recently came across an article which explained the relationship of alternative therapies like listening to classical music and reflexology/Acupressure in relieving stress. In an experiment conducted in Singapore in 2004, the subjects were given foot reflexology stimulation and were made to listen to classical music in a resting state. Meanwhile, the electrical activity of their brains was measured by EEG. In each subject, the EEG showed that foot reflexology and classical music both increased alpha frequencies in the brain waves associated with relaxation.

The brain emits weak electrical impulses (brain waves) that can be measured on the surface of the head. The predominant frequency of electrical impulses correlates with different types of mental states and activities. Brain waves are classified into four categories (delta, theta, alpha, and beta)—each with an associated mental state.

• Delta is seen only in the deepest stages of sleep.
• Theta is seen in light sleep and drowsiness.
• Beta is seen in highly stressful situations and where there is difficulty in mental concentration and focus.
• Alpha is present in wakefulness where there is a relaxed and effortless alertness. It is well known that alpha brain waves are generated during a relaxed state and therefore alpha waves are used as an index of relaxation.

This information was a sufficient stimuli to start exploring if i could find any food item which could increase or induce alpha brain waves and help us to relax...............



The obvious answer which came forward was GREEN TEA

• Tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world after water.
• Tea is known to be a rich source of flavonoid antioxidants.
• However tea also contains a unique amino acid, L-theanine that may modulate aspects of brain function in humans. L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, produces a pronounced feeling of tranquility in as little as fifteen minutes. L-theanine increases the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter (i.e. natural messenger in the brain) that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. L-theanine also stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for confidence and a sense of well-being.
  
• Evidence from human electroencephalograph (EEG) studies show that it has a direct effect on the brain (Juneja et al. Trends in Food Science & Tech 1999;10;199-204). L-theanine significantly increases activity in the alpha frequency band which indicates that it relaxes the mind without inducing drowsiness.
  
• The calming effect of green tea may can be explained by the action of L-theanine. This amino acid actually acts antagonistically against the stimulatory effects of caffeine on the nervous system.
  

This information was really exciting and I think this will prompt all of us to give " Green Tea" a chance to be a part of our daily diet regime and I am sure that this world famous drink will soon help us to fight stress !!!