One common condition that few people talk about is depression. It can creep up on you before you've even even fully realized it.
At first, you may feel a little down. You chalk it up to a bad day. But the feeling persists, and soon it’s been a ‘bad month.’ Before you know it, your energy level is lagging, and you can’t seem to figure out why you just don’t feel like doing the normal activities you used to enjoy.
Depression can hit anyone at any time. You don’t even have to be going through a hard time in your life to succumb to it. The good news is that there are many natural treatments that can help combat depression and keep you feeling your best.
One is matcha tea, and the research might surprise you:
Matcha Tea and Depression
A special and very powerful form of green tea, matcha has been shown by scientific research to have positive effects on the mind and mood.
One study published in the Journal of the American Society for Clinical Nutrition noted that a higher consumption of green tea was associated with a lower prevalence of cognitive impairment in subjects aged 70 years and older.
Can matcha contribute to a healthy brain?
The healthier your brain is, the lower your risk of suffering from depression will be.
In another study, published in the Journal of Pharmacological Research, researchers evaluated the impact of green tea on depressive symptoms. After the seven-day treatment protocol, researchers were able to document antidepressant effects. (In addition, the green tea polyphenols reduced serum corticosterone and ACTH levels as well — hormones associated with stress.)
Can matcha provide some protection against depression?
These findings suggest that regular consumption of matcha tea may provide protection against depression and other psychological ailments.
What are some psychological benefits of matcha green tea?
In addition to helping with depression, matcha tea may also help boost your overall well-being. It contains L-theanine, an amino acid that helps you feel relaxed but energized at the same time.
In addition, matcha tea can boost brain levels of serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters that help to elevate mood and reduce stress.
So a few cups of matcha tea per day may just be what you need if you’re prone to depression. (Of course, if you experience severe depression that interferes with work or social functioning, consult a mental health professional.)
P.S. Curious about trying matcha but not sure which matcha is best for you? We're here to help.
Find out which matcha is right for you by taking this simple matcha tea quiz.
References:
Kuriyama, Shinichi, et al. "Green tea consumption and cognitive function: a cross-sectional study from the Tsurugaya Project." The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 83.2 (2006): 355-361.
Zhu, Wei-Li, et al. "Green tea polyphenols produce antidepressant-like effects in adult mice." Pharmacological Research 65.1 (2012): 74-80.
