Although this type of tea has been known for over 900 years, it is only now that studies have shown that it can help treat depression. They were conducted by scientists from Kumamoto University and published in the journal Nutrients. The results are amazing.
Matcha because that’s the tea we’re talking about is a fine powder from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis.. White, green, black, and oolong are made from the same plant. However, the way it is grown is different. Three weeks before harvesting, the bushes are shaded from the sun, which inhibits their growth. The leaves take on a pale green hue and produce amino acids. They also contain high concentration antioxidants anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory. After drying, the leaves are ground into a powder.
Matcha helps fight depression
Recent studies done on mice show that matcha powder has an effect on them. action similar to antidepressants. It activates the dopaminergic system in the brain, reduces anxiety and improves mood. Scientists explain that dopamine is a hormone responsible for feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation.
Depression is the most commonly diagnosed mental illness in the world. In its treatment, antidepressants are used, for example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)) Lee serotonin reuptake inhibitors. They increase dopamine levels but have many side effects and you can become resistant to their effects. In the meantime, matcha may turn out to be a safe, natural alternative.
Study of matcha as an antidepressant in mice
The researchers socially isolated genetically modified stress resistant (BALB/c) and stress prone (C57BL/6J) mice. They pointed out that measure of mouse behavioral distress downtime, and prolonged immobility is an indicator of depression. By analyzing their brains, they found that matcha activated the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) in the brain. The prefrontal cortex is considered the area most sensitive to stress. In contrast, NAc plays a key role in the processing of reward stimuli. Their activation is responsible for increasing dopamine levels.
“Matcha reduced immobility only in stress-prone mice, which experienced more stress due to social isolation and exhibited depressive behavior compared to stress-tolerant mice,” lead author Dr. Yuki Kurauchi said in the study’s findings.
How to prepare matcha tea?
To prepare matcha, you must have the right utensils. This is a matchawan, a cup that is used to make tea. You will also need a bamboo spoon to apply the powdered tea and a whisk to stir. Pour a flat teaspoon of matcha into a cup, and then pour about 150-200 ml of water at a temperature of 70-80 ℃. it is important that it is not boiling water. Then, using a broom, stir the drink with quick movements until the powder dissolves and foam appears on the surface.
Source: Wprost
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