There are studies that suggest drinking tea could be helpful in the treatment of depression. A 2015 meta-analysis of 11 studies and 13 reports found a correlation between tea consumption and a decreased risk of depression. Some benefits of drinking herbal tea can include: lowered stress and anxiety.
Ritualized relaxation is one of the many benefits of drinking tea. The type of tea you choose to brew can also help to soothe stress and anxiety. One of the key reasons tea is so beneficial for your health is due to L-theanine, an amino acid that helps to balance mood.
Both are also associated with a decreased risk of certain diseases. However, people with anxiety, insomnia, and panic disorders should consider choosing green tea over coffee due to its lower caffeine content and because it contains L-theanine — an amino acid that promotes a state of calm alertness ( 53 , 54).
Bedtime tea can help you relax before bed and reduce stress and anxiety, which could improve sleep quality. However, while bedtime tea may be beneficial for mild sleep issues, note that it should not be considered a cure-all for severe insomnia or other sleep difficulties ( 31 ).
A big event or a buildup of smaller stressful life situations may trigger excessive anxiety — for example, a death in the family, work stress or ongoing worry about finances. Personality. People with certain personality types are more prone to anxiety disorders than others are.
B-complex, vitamin E, vitamin C, GABA, and 5-HTP are 5 vitamins commonly used to help with anxiety and stress.
Are you always waiting for disaster to strike or excessively worried about things such as health, money, family, work, or school? If so, you may have a type of anxiety disorder called generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD can make daily life feel like a constant state of worry, fear, and dread.
If you take magnesium as a supplement, studies that showed that magnesium can have anti-anxiety effects generally used dosages of between 75 and 360 mg a day, according to the 2017 review. It's best to consult a healthcare practitioner before taking any supplement so you know the correct dose for you.
Other research from 2017, appearing in the journal PLoS One , found that a 6-week course of magnesium chloride led to a significant reduction in depression and anxiety symptoms.
The University of Maryland Medical Center published their findings on how large deficiencies of vitamin B-6 can lead to irritability, depression, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating along with the loss of short-term memory.
Tea catechins — antioxidants such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) — account for up to 42% of the dry weight of brewed green tea, and the amino acid l-theanine makes up around 3%. EGCG is thought to make people feel calmer and improve memory and attention when consumed on its own.
Tea also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which promotes relaxation. In this sense, tea is unique in that the combination of caffeine and L-theanine means it may promote a sense of mindful alertness. It has also been suggested that drinking tea lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Best for Overall Health: Green Tea
When it comes to tea, green tea gets the gold. “Green tea is the champ when it comes to offering health benefits,” says Czerwony. “It's the Swiss Army knife of teas.
People with peptic ulcers or acid reflux should not consume green tea excessively. A 1984 study concluded that tea is a potent stimulant of gastric acid, which can be reduced by adding milk and sugar. 2.
The green brew can also have a calming effect on your mind. Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea leaves, helps you relax and keep stress at bay. According to researchers, theanine also helps to reduce anxiety.
Tea also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which promotes relaxation. In this sense, tea is unique in that the combination of caffeine and L-theanine means it may promote a sense of mindful alertness. It has also been suggested that drinking tea lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol.