Of Chinese origin and widely consumed in Japan, Matcha is a green tea that is present on several tables around the world due to its numerous benefits.
In addition to having antioxidant properties and working as an ally in weight loss, for example, tea acts in the fight against depression. For this to happen, a Japanese study studied the antidepressant effects of Matcha tea powder.
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Ally in the fight against depression
According to a recent Japanese study, Matcha tea powder may have antidepressant effects, working as an alternative to conventional antidepressants.
The study found that Matcha has compounds that help regulate serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain, which are extremely important for regulating mood and emotions.
The development of the study
Through tests carried out on mice, the researchers who participated in the study analyzed in detail the effects of Matcha tea. First, they selected two groups of mice: one had stress tolerance, while the other, in turn, had greater sensitivity.
After separating the groups, it was their turn to make them consume a certain amount of Matcha tea. Consequently, it was time to check the changes, and the fact that the stressed mice showed a reduction in stress levels drew a lot of attention.
This was possible thanks to greater activity in the brain regions responsible for controlling dopamine, known as the prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter whose main function is to regulate several important functionalities of the brain, such as movement, mood, reward system and motivation.
Therefore, the stimulation of dopamine in the brain is essential for the sensation of pleasure and the reward system to be 100% working properly.
Therefore, its low activity results in serious health problems, which is proven to be linked to cases of depression. Including, most cases of depression are strongly related to reduced levels of this neurotransmitter.
Consuming Matcha results in less anxiety and stress
Matcha contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which works to reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving activities cognitive.
In fact, this component is largely responsible for stimulating the brain to promote more relaxation in the body as it works to reduce tension levels.
Other Benefits of Matcha
In addition to antidepressant effects, Matcha has several other health benefits. He is rich in antioxidants, which help lower the risk of developing diseases like cancer and diabetes. In addition, by consuming it, metabolism increases, facilitating weight loss, promoting liver health and preventing premature aging.
