We’re all used to the time-honored tradition of having a cup of tea and taking a nice hot bath to calm you down before hitting the pillow for some Z’s. Ah, that always sounds so good!
Well, the tea really helps to reduce the anxiety levels of a person. And it is very effective!
Of course I had to break down HOW exactly tea can provide relief to the most anxious of us!
Here you have….
Just for starters, a little orgium (AKA, O-Chem, organic chemistry), don’t panic, it’s just a dot, really!
The health benefits that are attributed to tea can be attributed to a unique neurologically active amino acid in tea called L-theanine (gamma-ethylamino-L-glutamic acid).
If that is all. That’s the stuff, L-theanine.
L-theanine acts antagonistically against the stimulant effects on the nervous system.
This is exactly how a state of relaxation occurs when consuming tea. What happens:
* L-theanine directly encourages the production of alpha brain waves. This immediately creates a deep state of relaxation along with high levels of mental alertness. L-theanine specifically relaxes the person into a rare form of a state of relaxation previously only known to be achieved through the practice of meditation.
* L-theanine is specifically required in the development of GABA (gamma amino butyric acid).
* GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that influences dopamine and serotonin levels.
* Specific levels of dopamine and serotonin are required to produce the state of deep relaxation.
Viola! A deep state of relaxation has been achieved! Thanks to good old L-theanine!
In fact, I have found a lot of reliable information indicating that the chemical properties of tea also help make a person more alert and active.
Active and alert, wait a minute, why did I drink coffee? Well never again, tea is for me! Come on, where do the benefits end?
One last interesting fact, according to the most extensive studies currently being conducted, simply turning on the kettle and listening to the boiling water can help a person begin to relax!
WOW, now that’s awesome! So if you’re ever going through some sort of emotional crisis, one thing you can always count on to help out is turn on that kettle!
Not a bad alternative to the usual ice cream snack I usually have for emotional support, right?
