Green Tea Beats the Blues
Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 6:07AM
Seniors are less likely to be depressed if they sip four or more cups of green tea daily. In a study involving both men and women, all of whom were over 70, Japanese researchers found that those subjects who drank more than four cups of green tea were 44 percent less likely to report symptoms of depression than those who drank less than four cups daily. The effects of green tea held true even after the researchers factored in gender, social and economic status, diet, history of medical problems and antidepressant use. No such association with depression was found for black or oolong tea or coffee. More studies are needed to confirm that drinking green tea really does have an anti-depressant effect, but the investigators noted that the amino acid theanine found in green tea may play a role in the benefits they saw. The study was published in the December 2009 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Reader Comments (5)
Dear Dr. Weil,
I have lupus with memory and attention disorders. I have had strokes, pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. I don't know what to do. I have used every vitamin possible to improve my memory. I have made myself do a great deal of brain training. I also had neurofeedback training which has improved my sleep dramatically but not my attention/memory problems. I used to be very high functioning and my frustration is overwhelming. Please could you make some suggestions or if you know any program that could be helpful.
Many thanks,
Joan
Joanfais@aol.com
1) Does it make a difference if ithe green tea s Decaff?
2) I read somewhere that Black tea is better for Anxiety is that true?
Not that we know of Sam.
Joan:Five Recommended Lifestyle Changes
* Exercise your mind. Research shows that the old adage “use it or lose it” applies to your mental power as much as to the rest of your body. Crossword puzzles, mind games, and challenging reading or educational classes can all help you keep your brain agile and strong.
* Exercise your body. Physical exercise seems to correlate with better mental function, perhaps because of improved circulation.
* Eat a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Vegetables and fruits are the best sources of antioxidants, although tea and dark chocolate contribute as well. Cold-water fish, freshly ground flaxseed and walnuts provide omega-3s.
* Avoid alcohol. Alcohol’s damaging effect on brain cells is well established in the medical literature.
* Reduce stress. Learn and practice regular relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga.
Three Nutritional Supplements
Take a daily multivitamin that provides adequate levels of folic acid and other B vitamins. They help the body get rid of homocysteine, a toxic amino acid formed by the breakdown of animal protein that has been linked to heart attack and stroke, and more recently with increased risks of Alzheimer's. These supplements are also linked to healthy cognitive function:
* Ginkgo biloba - Increases circulation to the brain. Provides memory enhancing effects.
* DHA - One of the omega-3 fatty acids essential for normal brain development and function.
* A vision support formula - Providing antioxidants, zinc, lutein and zeaxanthin.
and: I've read anecdotal reports associating statins with memory loss, and I'm aware of an ongoing study at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), that is investigating the effects of these drugs on thinking, mood, behavior, and quality of life. The same researchers have also been collecting reports about other side effects that patients attribute to statins, including peripheral neuropathy (tingling and numbness or burning pain), headaches, joint pains, and abdominal pain, problems with sleep and with sexual function, fatigue, dizziness, a sense of detachment, swelling, shortness of breath, changes in vision, temperature regulation, blood sugar, blood pressure, weight, as well as hunger, breast enlargement, dry skin, rashes, nausea, upset stomach, bleeding, and ringing in ears or other noises. Based on some 5,000 reports accumulated by early 2008, memory problems were the second most common side effect reported. (Muscle aches were first.) Memory returned to normal when affected patients discontinued the statins.
Is organic tea much better than non-organic, I notice that dr weil does not male it a point to drink "organic" tea?