There are several proven benefits of matcha tea. Its unique nutrient profile and antioxidants can promote good cardiovascular and liver health on regular consumption. Additionally, nutritionists also highlight the effectiveness of matcha over green tea, when it comes to weight loss.
Now, researchers from Japan are looking at the possibility of whether it has equal promise in fighting depression. According to a recent study published in the journal Nutrients, the traditional Japanese tea awakened dopaminergic neural networks in the brain of mice that were otherwise depressed from social isolation.
The study was conducted at Japan’s Kumamoto University, where scientists say more mechanistic research is required to reach the final consensus.
How depression is caused and why antidepressants aren’t recommended for long-term use
A person suffers from depression chiefly due to the low dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, and also the hormone that plays an important role in mood upliftment. Doctors say antidepressants can counter dopamine, but their effect isn’t long standing as the body can build its natural resistance to opioids.
What led doctors to believe matcha tea benefits mental health
Matcha is derived from the leaves of Camellia sinensis, which has great mind-boosting properties. In previous studies, it was found that matcha reversed brain anxiety by accelerating dopamine activity through dopamine receptor signaling. As part of the latest research, Dr. Yuki Kurauchi of Kumamoto University administered matcha powder into a stress-tolerant BALB/c and stress-susceptible C57BL/6J mice. They concluded, following a tail suspension test, that oral administration of matcha tea powder in the stress-susceptible mice effectively reduced depression levels.
“Matcha tea reduced the immobility time only in stress-susceptible mice that experienced greater stress from social isolation and exhibited higher depression-like behavior, in comparison to the…
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