Black Tea and Depression

Black tea is one of the most commonly consumed drinks in the world. Black tea differs from green tea because the leaves are oxidised during preparation, and this changes the chemistry from that of the original green tea leaf. In particular, the amount of flavonoids decreases and at the same time the amount of tannins increases. Black tea has a number of health effects, and one way that black tea may protect from disease is through its ability to reduce the risk of depression. Studies have shown for example, that consuming a cup of tea per day is protective of developing depression, and that this protection increases up to 4 cups per day. In addition, 450 to 600 mg of caffeine is also protective of depression, and as black tea contains caffeine, this may be the mechanism by which protection is conferred. Tea is an ideal drink to consume because it has significant calming properties, and this makes it the ideal antidote to the hectic modern life where stress can be a significant factor in developing mood disorders. 

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Asil, E., Yılmaz, M. V. and Yardimci, H. 2021. Effects of black tea consumption and caffeine intake on depression risk in black tea consumers. African Health Sciences. 21(2): 858-865

About Robert Barrington

Robert Barrington is a writer, nutritionist, lecturer and philosopher.
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