There are many health benefits of drinking GABA oolong tea. For years, GABA tea has been used to reduce high blood pressure, encourage a better night’s sleep, and relieve stress. In a recent study, scientists aimed to measure the effects of GABA-fortified oolong tea consumption on heart rate variability and stress. With the holidays approaching, we could all use a little stress relief and what better way to achieve that than with a relaxing cup of hot tea.
What is GABA?
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger in your brain. It slows down your brain by blocking specific signals in your central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). GABA is known for producing a calming effect. It’s thought to play a major role in controlling nerve cell hyperactivity associated with anxiety, stress, and fear.
GABA tea was discovered by Japanese scientists more than 20 years ago. They were attempting to preserve various foods and, in the process, discovered that tea leaves exposed to nitrogen increased the natural levels of GABA. Later, scientists discovered that black tea and oolong undergoing the same process would result in a large amount of GABA.
Participants in this study were given an electrocardiogram (ECG) and self-reported stress assessment 10 minutes prior to drinking GABA fortified oolong tea and were tested again 30 minutes later. A control group was given non-GABA fortified tea. Based on results, researchers concluded that even a very small amount of GABA-fortified oolong tea leads to a significant effect on acute stress levels reflected by the improved heart rate variability measures.
If you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed this holiday season, you could benefit from a hot cup of GABA oolong tea.