What Is Green Tea Extract?
Green tea, derived from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, is a popular beverage known for its refreshing taste and numerous health benefits. The extraction process of green tea involves carefully plucking the young leaves, steaming or pan-firing them to prevent oxidation, and then drying them to preserve their natural properties. This meticulous process helps retain the tea's high antioxidant content and vibrant green color.
Traditional Uses of Green Tea
Throughout history, green tea has been an integral part of various cultures worldwide. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has been used to promote mental clarity and overall well-being. In Japan, the tea ceremony has deep cultural significance, emphasizing mindfulness and tranquility. Green tea has also been used in Ayurvedic practices for its rejuvenating properties. Exploring the traditional uses of green tea provides us with insights into its historical and cultural significance.
Nootropic Benefits of Green Tea Extract
Green tea and its extracts have many health benefits, especially for the nervous system. These benefits include:
- Boosting the creation of new brain cells (neurogenesis) and the brain's ability to adapt (neuroplasticity) even in old age[1].
- Providing protection against progressive damage that can lead to neurodegenerative disorders.
- Offering neuroprotection against injuries like stroke and head trauma[2].
- Improving cognitive function in the short term, enhancing attention, focus, mood, and memory.
- Human studies have shown that green tea and its extracts can help protect against age-related brain dysfunction and reduce the risk of dementia[3].
- Numerous studies consistently demonstrate that caffeine has positive effects on various aspects of brain function, such as memory, reaction time, vigilance, and mood [4].
- However, the brain-boosting properties of green tea extend beyond caffeine. Green tea also contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which can pass through the “blood-brain barrier”[5].
- L-theanine enhances the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter “GABA” in the brain, leading to anti-anxiety effects.
- It also increases dopamine levels, which can contribute to improved mood and cognitive function[6].
- L-theanine promotes the production of alpha waves in the brain, which is associated with a state of relaxed alertness and mental clarity.
- Research suggests that caffeine and L-theanine have synergistic effects when combined, resulting in enhanced brain function[7].
How Does It Work For The Brain
Green tea extract is a functional ingredient in our tea powder blend. Our nootropic green tea has a higher amount of L-Theanine, which acts as a cognitive enhancer compared to regular green tea.
L-Theanine is similar in structure to glutamate, an amino acid found in the body that aids in transmitting nerve impulses. It supports mental focus, and interestingly, it may also improve a sense of calmness and sleep quality over time. According to an evidence-based article from Healthline.com, L-Theanine may have the following benefits[8]:
- Modulates alpha brainwave activity
- Promotes calm neurotransmitters
- Increases focus and attention
- Relieves stress
- Boosts immunity
- Enhances sleep quality
Dosage and Safety
- When considering any dietary supplement, it is important to understand the recommended dosage and safety considerations.
- Green tea extract is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts.
- However, excessive intake or high doses of certain components, such as caffeine or catechins, may lead to adverse effects.
- It is crucial to follow recommended guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications that may interact with green tea extract.
- The daily recommended dosage of green tea extract is typically around 250-500 mg per day.
Potential Adverse Effects
While green tea extract is generally considered safe for the majority of individuals when consumed in moderate amounts, it can still have potential side effects[8]. Here are some possible side effects of green tea extract:
- Caffeine-related effects: Increased heart rate, jitteriness, anxiety, digestive issues, and difficulty sleeping.
- Stomach problems: Upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea.
- Liver toxicity: Rare cases of liver damage with high doses or existing liver conditions.
- Interference with nutrient absorption: Possible interference with iron and folic acid absorption.
- Allergic reactions: Rare allergic reactions like skin rash, itching, and swelling.
- Interactions with medications: Possible interactions with blood thinners, beta-blockers, and certain antidepressants. Consult with a healthcare professional if taking medications.
How To Take Green Tea Extract
- Take green tea extract in the morning or early afternoon to avoid potential sleep disturbances from its caffeine content.
- Consider consulting a healthcare professional for guidance on stacking green tea extract with other nootropics.
- Start with lower doses and gradually increase to assess tolerance and potential synergistic effects.
- Be cautious of combining green tea extract with other substances that have stimulant properties.
- Take green tea extract with water or as directed on the product label.
- Avoid exceeding the recommended daily dosage.
- Monitor your body's response and adjust dosage accordingly.
- Note any potential side effects and discontinue use if necessary.
Personal Experiences
Many people have reported positive experiences with Green Tea Extract as a nootropic supplement.
A user said, "This product is good value. My daughter takes it to help with her immunity. I began taking it to help with my joints". Another user said, "My husband really likes taking this brand of green tea supplement he uses it for overall health and inflammation and a natural boost in energy”.
Comparisons with Other Nootropics
- Green tea extract stands out among other popular supplements.
- It offers a unique composition and potential health benefits.
- Compared to supplements like caffeine or herbal extracts, green tea extract provides a combination of caffeine and L-theanine.
- This combination promotes a state of relaxed alertness and cognitive enhancement.
- Green tea extract contains potent antioxidants that protect against oxidative stress.
- It also supports overall well-being.
- These qualities distinguish green tea extract from other supplements that may have more specific targeted effects.
Potential Applications
Here are the potential applications of green tea extract:
- Reduced risk of clogged arteries: Drinking green tea is linked to a lower risk of clogged arteries, particularly in males. It may help in maintaining cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of heart disease[9].
- Lower risk of death from heart disease: Individuals who consume at least three cups of green tea daily may have a decreased risk of death from heart disease.
- Reduced risk of endometrial cancer: Drinking green tea is associated with a lower risk of developing endometrial cancer, a type of cancer affecting the lining of the uterus[10].
- Lowered LDL cholesterol levels: Green tea intake may help in reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol levels in individuals with high lipid levels in their blood (hyperlipidemia)[11].
- Decreased risk of ovarian cancer: Regular consumption of green tea has been linked to a reduced risk of ovarian cancer.
- Other potential applications: While there is interest in using green tea for various purposes, there is insufficient reliable information to determine its effectiveness in those areas.
Future Research
- The field of green tea extract research is continuously evolving, with ongoing studies exploring its various effects and potential applications.
- Researchers are investigating its role in cardiovascular health, metabolic disorders, and even cancer prevention.
- Future research may provide more insights into the specific mechanisms of action and help identify subpopulations that may benefit the most from green tea extract supplementation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, green tea extract offers a range of potential benefits as a dietary supplement. It has shown promising effects on cognitive enhancement, anxiety reduction, physical performance, and exercise recovery.
However, individual responses may vary, and it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating green tea extract into your daily routine.
References
- Mancini E, Beglinger C, Drewe J, et al. Green tea effects on cognition, mood, and human brain function: A systematic review.Phytomedicine. 2017 Oct 15;34:26-37.
- Pervin M, Unno K, Ohishi T, et al. Beneficial Effects of Green Tea Catechins on Neurodegenerative Diseases. Molecules. 2018 May 29;23(6).
- Polito CA, Cai ZY, Shi YL, et al. Association of Tea Consumption with Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and Anti-Beta-Amyloid Effects of Tea. Nutrients. 2018 May 22;10(5).
- Sangiovanni E, Brivio P, Dell’Agli M, et al. Botanicals as Modulators of Neuroplasticity: Focus on BDNF. Neural Plast. 2017;2017:5965371.
- Ma QP, Huang C, Cui QY, et al. Meta-Analysis of the Association between Tea Intake and the Risk of Cognitive Disorders. PLoS One. 2016;11(11):e0165861.
- Nathan PJ, Lu K, Gray M, Oliver C. The neuropharmacology of L-theanine(N-ethyl-L-glutamine): a possible neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent. J Herb Pharmacother. 2006;6(2):21-30. PMID: 17182482.
- Simon P. Kelly and others, L-Theanine and Caffeine in Combination Affect Human Cognition as Evidenced by Oscillatory alpha-Band Activity and Attention Task Performance, The Journal of Nutrition, Volume 138, Issue 8, August 2008, Pages 1572S–1577S, https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/138.8.1572S
- Dodd FL, Kennedy DO, Riby LM, Haskell-Ramsay CF. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the effects of caffeine and L-theanine both alone and in combination on cerebral blood flow, cognition, and mood. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2015 Jul;232(14):2563-76. doi 10.1007/s00213-015-3895-0. Epub 2015 Mar 13. PMID: 25761837; PMCID: PMC4480845.
- Agarwal, A., Prasad, R., and Jain, A. Effect of green tea extract (catechins) in reducing oxidative stress seen in patients of pulmonary tuberculosis on DOTS Cat I regimen. Phytomedicine. 2010;17(1):23-27. View abstract.
- Ahmed, S., Wang, N., Lalonde, M., Goldberg, V. M., and Haqqi, T. M. Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) differentially inhibits interleukin-1 beta-induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and -13 in human chondrocytes. J Pharmacol.Exp.Ther. 2004;308(2):767-773. View abstract.
- Al-Sowyan, N. S. Difference in leptin hormone response to nutritional status in normal adult male albino rats. Pak. J Biol.Sci. 1-15-2009;12(2):119-126. View abstract.