Green tea may help reduce stress, improve sleep and fight inflammation, study finds

High levels of stress can lead to fatigue and disrupt sleep, negatively impacting overall health and potentially weakening the cardiovascular and immune systems. Nutritionist Curtis highlights that stress throws the body's delicate balance off-kilter.

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Stress disrupts the body's balance, potentially harming the cardiovascular and immune systems.

However, research suggests a simple daily habit might offer relief. A study involving participants who drank one cup of green tea, prepared with 1.5 grams of green tea powder steeped in hot water for 10 minutes, showed significant improvements over four months. The participants reported reduced stress levels and experienced a decrease in physiological stress markers.

Key findings from the study indicated a notable drop in salivary cortisol, a primary stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels are often linked to the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a central stress response system. The reduction in cortisol suggests a tangible easing of the body's stress response.

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Self-reported stress scores decreased: This indicates that the perceived stress has lessened.

Furthermore, the study observed an increase in blood melatonin levels. Melatonin is crucial for regulating sleep-wake cycles. Higher melatonin levels, often suppressed by high cortisol, indicate that the body is better prepared for relaxation and restorative sleep. The research also noted a decrease in inflammatory markers, specifically C-reactive protein (CRP), suggesting that regular green tea consumption may help mitigate the inflammatory effects of chronic stress.

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Salivary cortisol decreased: Cortisol is a stress hormone. Increased cortisol levels are often linked to the activation of the HPA axis, which increases cortisol content. Regularly drinking green tea reduces cortisol, indicating a significant relief of the stress response.

Nutritionist Curtis attributes these benefits to compounds found in green tea. L-theanine, an amino acid, is believed to help manage stress by influencing neurotransmitters like GABA and glutamate, thereby regulating the HPA axis. Additionally, catechins, such as EGCG, are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6, and reducing oxidative stress and liver inflammation.

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Blood melatonin increased: High cortisol levels inhibit melatonin secretion, and melatonin helps with relaxation and deep sleep. Regularly drinking green tea increases melatonin, indicating that the body's stress has been relieved and sleep is likely to improve.