People who lived 5000 years ago drank tea for its medicinal properties, and not as a beverage, as it is done today. It was only about 1000 years ago that people first began to drink it as a beverage. If we consider these years in world history, it can be seen that a significant role has been played by tea, and even the American Revolution was triggered off by it.
Tea has a very important place in Japanese traditions, and they have even created a sophisticated ceremony around drinking tea. The reason why the Japanese gave tea so much importance is that they understood how the human body can be benefited by it. Tea contains caffeine, but it is not because of the caffeine content that tea is beneficial to our bodies. It is due to numerous other ingredients present in it, of which the main ingredient is an amino acid called Ultra Theanine or L-Theanine, which is present in green tea. Man was oblivious of these benefits ever since its discovery in 1949. Its benefits as a supplement to diet have come to light only in recent years. Among the many benefits that Theanine provides, some benefits are important enough to be studied in detail.
Effects on Depression and Memory Loss
People often associate loss of memory with the process of ageing (senior moments) or as a result of Alzheimer's and other chronic diseases. Research points out that stress and depression are major factors that contribute to memory loss. Inspite of both these being states of the mind, they do affect the chemistry of the body, which in turn has an adverse effect on the brain's functioning. In response to stress and depression, a stress hormone is released in the body. This stress hormone alters the brain's chemical balance, which can have a negative effect on both moods and memory. When drugs are taken in order to control swings in mood, they are actually altering this hormone. The worst thing is that if this hormone is produced in excess, the brain can even reduce in size.
Those who are undergoing depression are even advised particular drugs to block this hormone resulting from stress and treat depression. A naturally occurring amino acid, Theanine, is said to have a similar effect, thus helping in the treatment of depression.
According to research done, a natural chemical called glutamate is found in the brain. A link has been established between glutamate and depression. Studies have revealed that the bodies of those suffering from depression have an abnormal level of glutamate. Early researchers deduced that blocking the brain signals that were activated by glutamate, may help reduce depression. Theanine is said to perform this function.
The brains ability to memorize and learn is associated with biochemical processes that are similar in nature. When brain signals result from glutamate activation, they adversely affect the mood, memory and the ability to learn. It is logical that a person who cannot remember cannot learn. Brain signals resulting from glutamate activation are linked to alcohol consumption, strokes and Alzheimer's disease. As a result, an individual is not able to store information, leave alone retrieving it. If the body contains Theanine, a very small area will be affected in case of a stroke. In addition, according to research done in China, the chances of a stroke are reduced by 40% in tea drinkers. It thereby becomes obvious that those who maintain a healthy level of theanine in their system reduce their chances of memory loss and also the risk of having a stroke. Even if a stroke occurs, its adverse effects are reduced.
Effects on Weight Loss
It is a well known fact that when calories are burnt, weight is lost. But most people are not motivated to wake up early and exercise, or make the time during the day. Research was done in the United Kingdom with mountain climbers as subjects and showed that the climbers who drank hot tea were more motivated and energetic. Research done in Finland on those who drank at least five cups of tea or more showed that none of them suffered from depression. Although caffeine increases the rate of metabolism to some extent, it does not produce a marked difference. Moreover, consumption of caffeinated drinks in excess may lead to nervousness and irritability. Japanese conducted a detailed research on the effects of the various constituents present in green tea. They found out that theanine in combination with some other substances is known to prevent weight gain and reduce the level of triglycerides. We therefore conclude that it is theanine and not the caffeine content from tea that helps weight loss.
Effects on Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol consumption results in the formation of certain chemicals in the system that are more harmful than the alcohol itself. Theanine is said to break these toxic chemicals down into less harmful forms, thus preventing them from adversely affecting the body. In addition to this, theanine also stops the formation of free radicals that damage the cell.
An antioxidant called glutathione, which is also a detoxifier, is produced in the liver. The production of glutathione is hindered by alcohol. If this antioxidant is suppressed long enough, it ultimately results in the breakdown of the liver cells, leading to a chain of problems. Theanine removes this suppressing effect of alcohol.
Effects on Cancer
The deficiency of glutathione is a cause for concern not only to drinkers but it has also baffled oncologists. The glutathione in the body is reduced due to chemotherapy, leading to toxicity. As a result, certain drugs that may have actually helped battle cancer, are not able to be used. Research has shown that the loss of glutathione from vital organs as a result of chemotherapy can be reduced by also treating the person with theanine. In addition, it makes chemotherapy more effective in dealing with tumors as these tumors are not allowed to absorb glutathione.
Moreover, tests done on animals have shown that theanine increases the effectiveness of anti-cancer medications by helping tumors to retain the medication absorbed by them. Theanine reduces the side effects caused by anti-cancer drugs by acting as an antioxidant. Furthermore, theanine keeps healthy cells from being affected by anti-cancer drugs.
Effects on Sleep
Tea contains caffeine, but less than that found in coffee, if not equal. Theanine counters the see saw effect of coffee while allowing it to continue in its stimulating and fat burning abilities. People having trouble going to sleep find listening to music or some breathing exercises very soothing. Enough proof has been gathered from EEG reports that theanine can produce the same result, showing smoother graphs that represent a relaxed brain wave pattern.
Another research of the soothing effects of theanine was done on a controlled group who was given a daily dosage of theanine. A study of their sleep pattern revealed that although the duration of sleep was not considerably long, the sleep quality was better. The subjects woke up feeling energetic and refreshed, producing the same effect a longer duration of sleep would produce. This news is definitely going to be of great help for people with sleep difficulties.
Effects on Cholesterol and Blood Pressure
According to tests done on animals, theanine was found to lower blood pressure and inhibit LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol.
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