A 2013 animal study suggested that green tea consumption increases dopamine and serotonin, which have been linked to reducing symptoms of depression.
It also aids the release of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin ( 10 , 11 ). As a result, caffeine can boost alertness, mood, vigilance, reaction time, and short-term recall ( 9 ). Green and black teas also contain the amino acid L-theanine, which is not present in coffee.
Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that can affect mood. Eating foods that contain the essential amino acid known as tryptophan can help the body to produce more serotonin. Foods, including salmon, eggs, spinach, and seeds are among those that help boost serotonin naturally.
Tea catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), could exert antidepressant-like effects and prevent reduction in brain dopamine concentration [15, 16].
Tea is used as a stimulant drink. The methylxanthines, specifically caffeine, increase alertness. It's also a mild stimulant.
Tea can create an alert and calm state of mind.
Studies suggest that the amino acid L-theanine found in the tea plant alters the attention networks in the brain and has demonstrable effects on brain waves, leading to a feeling of relaxation without causing drowsiness.
Additionally, studies suggest that both green tea extract and frequent consumption of green tea as a beverage can increase dopamine production and are associated with lower rates of depressive symptoms ( 35 , 36 ). Summary Green tea contains the amino acid L-theanine, which has been shown to increase dopamine levels.
Although, the caffeine in tea is known to deplete serotonin over time. This is one reason why it is not recommended to have caffeinated teas. However, one can enjoy green tea or herbal tea as they contain almost no caffeine without compromising the health benefits that they have to offer.
Green tea contains the amino acid l-theanine which increases not only serotonin, but levels of dopamine and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. Green tea also contains the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is a powerful antioxidant that acts to protect the brain from oxidative damage.
An increase in dopamine and serotonin turnover was observed. Our results suggest that beneficial effects of green tea drinking might be due to alteration of serotonin and/or dopamine metabolism.
Increasing serotonin levels can be done naturally. The best ways to do this are eating well, getting out in the sun or supplementing with vitamin D, exercising, taking adaptogens, and managing stress. Serotonin can also be increased synthetically with antidepressants.
It's also possible to increase serotonin levels without taking medicine. One natural way to increase serotonin is by working out. When you pedal your bicycle or lift weights, your body releases more tryptophan, the amino acid your brain uses to make serotonin.
“Tea has caffeine and L-theanine that increases alertness and focus of the brain. According to the study, it helps reduce cognitive decline and prevent conditions such as Alzheimer's disease,” says Sheryl Salis, nutritionist and wellness coach.
Teas for anxiety include mint teas, chamomile teas, lavender teas, rose teas, and matcha.
Certain drugs and substances such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, NutraSweet, antidepressants, and some cholesterol-lowering medications deplete serotonin and other neurotransmitter levels. Hormone changes cause low levels of serotonin and neurotransmitter imbalances.
"Green tea is excellent for boosting your mood because it's jam-packed with antioxidants in addition to a slight boost of caffeine," says Bogden. Green tea is also an excellent source of the amino acid l-theanine, which has a robust amount of research backing its mood-boosting abilities.
Research suggests that supplementing with magnesium may help to increase serotonin levels. In fact, low serotonin levels have been observed in patients with a magnesium deficiency. The study that discussed raising serotonin with magnesium reported success.
Vitamin D helps encourage serotonin production and release. If you're not getting enough vitamin D, taking a supplement may help reduce symptoms related to low serotonin levels, but check with your doctor before beginning supplementation.
However, magnesium inhibits dopamine release. Therefore, magnesium may inhibit calcium-dependent brain function through dopaminergic neurons, and consequently reduce the effect of calcium on ethanol activity.
Getting enough sleep, exercising, listening to music, meditating, and spending time in the sun can all boost dopamine levels. Overall, a balanced diet and lifestyle can go a long way in increasing your body's natural production of dopamine and helping your brain function at its best.