Older Green Tea Drinkers Less Depressed

	October 20, 2009
Older green tea drinkers less depressed

In a report published online on October 14, 2009 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers from Tohoku University in Japan report that older people who frequently drink green tea have a significantly lower incidence of depressive symptoms.

The study included 1,058 men and women aged 70 and older who resided in Sendai, Japan. Depression was evaluated using Geriatric Depression Scale scores, and dietary questionnaire responses were analyzed for the type and frequency of tea consumption. Blood samples were analyzed for C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation.

Twenty-seven percent of the men and 29 percent of the women in the study were classified as experiencing mild and severe depressive symptoms, and 15 percent of the men and 24 percent of the women were categorized as having severe symptoms. The adjusted risk of mild and severe depression was 44 percent lower for those who reported drinking four or more cups green tea per day. For severe depression, determined by a high Geriatric Depression Scale score or antidepressant use, consuming four or more cups green tea per day was associated with a 52 percent lower adjusted risk.

The scientists originally hypothesized that tea’s protective effect against depression was due in part to its anti-inflammatory action, however, the study failed to find an association between green tea intake and C-reactive protein levels. The other mechanism they proposed, that of an anti-stress response due to tea’s theanine content, could explain the study’s findings. Theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, is able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and may increase brain serotonin and dopamine, which could help improve mood and reaction to stress. “Thus, these data prove a useful hypothesis that higher consumption of green tea is related to a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms, possibly because it leads to a decrease in the stress response,” the authors write. “A further study is required to clarify whether green tea or theanine have a beneficial effect on the prevention and treatment of depressive symptoms.”

Depression

Treatment for depression is usually multifaceted, and there is no doubt that nutrition plays an important role. Research has shown that the body chemistry of depressed people is altered in various ways and that deficiencies in neurotransmitters, hormonal imbalances, and other nutritional deficits can contribute to clinical depression. Also, many people with depression do not eat enough, overeat, or eat nonnutritious foods. New research has also connected depression to inflammation and oxidative stress, which are both appropriately managed with nutritional supplements.

The following dietary supplements have been shown to help restore neurotransmitter levels and alleviate depression:

B vitamins—A full complement of B vitamins (including at least 1000 micrograms (mcg) vitamin B12, 250 milligrams (mg) vitamin B6, and 800 mcg of folic acid daily
Zinc—15 to 30 mg daily
TMG—2 to 4 grams (g) daily
Cytidine diphosphate choline—250 to 500 mg daily (alternatively, 1 to 3 teaspoons liquid choline chloride mixed with 2 ounces juice daily, 1 tablespoon pure lecithin granules daily, or 250 mg glyceryl phosphoryl choline daily)
Micronized creatine—500 mg (in capsule form) four to eight times daily
N-acetylcysteine—600 mg (in capsule form) one to two times daily on an empty stomach
Vitamin C—1 to 3 g daily
Vitamin E—400 International Units (IU) daily, with 200 mg gamma tocopherol
EPA/DHA—1400 mg EPA and 1000 mg DHA daily
SAMe—400 to 1200 mg daily without food
St. John’s wort—300 to 900 mg daily
Ginkgo biloba—120 mg daily
L-phenylalanine—500 to 1000 mg early in the day
Tyrosine—500 to 1000 mg daily
Tryptophan—500 to 1000 mg once or twice daily on an empty stomach
DHEA—15 to 75 mg daily, followed by blood testing in three to six weeks to make sure optimal levels are maintained

In addition, hormone therapy may be necessary to balance levels of important hormones, including pregnenolone, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Caribbean Winter Vacation for Life Extension® members

A beautiful 5-star luxury Caribbean resort is waiting for you. Spectacular oceanfront view, large pools, complimentary events, and more provide the perfect paradise for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Starting from:
US $32* per person, per night in a Luxury Villa (Based on six occupancy)
US $38* per person, per night in a Suite (Based on quadruple occupancy)
US $57* per person, per night in a Jr. Suite (Based on double occupancy)

Call the reservations center now:
Toll free USA 1-888-215-4402
Elsewhere 1-954-736-5812
Daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CST

*Taxes are not included. Subject to availability.
Copyright 2009 Royal Resorts Caribbean. All rights reserved.

reservations@levactions.com

www.pelicanmarinaresidences.com

www.royalseaquariumresort.com

*LEVacations is an independent company that offers travel services
(see www.lifeextension.comhttps://www.lifeextension.com/lpages/rewards) to Life Extension members.

Specially-Coated Bromelain

A specially coated bromelain formulation has been well-studied for its ability to help reduce the expression of inflammatory factors. Approved for use in Germany since 1993, bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme extracted from pineapple stems. Recent studies suggested its proteolytic activity can contribute to supporting better joint health by aiding in maintaining healthy pathways of chemicals related to normal tissue function.

Now, sufferers of unwanted joint changes can benefit from evidence that specially coated bromelain-based formulations may significantly help promote healthy joint function.

Pomegranate Extract Capsules

Numerous studies show that pomegranate is one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants. The remarkable effect of pomegranate in various conditions suggests that there may be more benefit to this fruit than just free radical suppression. One answer may lie in the fact that pomegranate is absorbed in the bloodstream far more efficiently than other fruit extracts. One study showed a pomegranate extract is 95% absorbed, which is far greater than any other polyphenol-containing fruit extract of its kind. Another reason pomegranate has displayed such incredible clinical findings is that it contains a unique polyphenol group called punicalagins. Punicalagins are the major players behind the pomegranate’s antioxidant capability.

Life Extension Update

What's Hot

Life Extension magazine

If you have questions or comments concerning this issue or past issues of Life Extension Update, send them to ddye@lifeextension.com or call 1-800-678-8989.

For longer life,