Green tea produced from Camellia sinensis is usually consumed because of the pleasant taste with positive effect in general health even at high doses of 8–16 cups a day.
Scientific studies have indicated the effects of green tea consumption in general health and reduction of risk in severe diseases. We can control of body weight, protection against ultraviolet radiation, physical functional performance, oral health, bone health and other physiological effects. Special attention has been given to specific diseases including those with severe effects such as neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases.
But many not knows that green tea actually has caffeine, which is a known stimulant. It doesn’t contain as much as coffee, but enough to block an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine. This way, it actually increases the firing of neurons and the concentration of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. Caffeine has been studied before and leads to improvements in various aspects of brain function, improved mood, reaction time and memory.
However, green tea contains more than just caffeine. It also has the amino acid L-theanine which increases the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which has anti-anxiety effects. It also increases dopamine and the production of alpha waves in the brain. Studies show that caffeine and L-theanine can have synergistic effects.
The combination of the two is particularly potent at improving brain function. Because of the L-theanine and the smaller dose of caffeine, many people report having more stable energy and being much more productive when they drink green tea, compared to coffee.