What is GABA Tea?
You've probably heard of GABA tea and its benefits. Picking up some of it from the shelf, we see claims of stress relief, pain relief, and happiness promotion. While it does all those things, taking it in the form of tea or supplements doesn't allow it to be absorbed by the body as effectively as when it's naturally produced within the body.
GABA tea is processed differently than other tea types. It undergoes a unique anaerobic (oxygen-free) processing method. This environment encourages the tea leaves to convert glutamic acid into Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA).
GABA Functions
Now let’s get a bit technical. GABA: gamma-aminobutyric acid – a component that is directly responsible for the regulation of our muscle tone, calming the nerves, improving sleep, and balancing our moods. This refers specifically to the gamma-aminobutyric acid naturally found in the human body. It does not relate to the one we get from the supplements.
Although marketed as a dietary supplement, it is also found naturally in tea. We prefer the latter.
Naturally, all tea contains gamma-aminobutyric acid, although in relatively small amounts that don't play a significant role. In the late 1980s, Japanese scientist Dr. Tsushida found that allowing green tea to sit for 6 to 10 hours in a nitrogen-rich/ oxygen-free environment leads to a 10-fold increase of gamma-aminobutyric acid in the tea leaves. Subsequently, scientists discovered that black tea and oolong tea that underwent the same process also produced a large amount of GABA.
GABA teas must have at least 150 mg of gamma-aminobutyric acid per 100 grams of tea leaves. Nowadays, the biggest producers of this tea are based in Taiwan and primarily produce oolongs.
Furthermore, we can receive GABA not only from drinking special GABA-rich tea but also from regular teas. The L-theanine found in tea aids the body in its gamma-Aminobutyric acid production. Having this in our bodies is vital for keeping both emotional and physical balance.
The Effects of GABA
In the 1980s, stores commonly sold GABA tea as a stress and pain reliever. Studies on whether it can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) when taken orally have been inconclusive. Currently, studies are examining its permeability, and some scientists believe that orally administered GABA can reach the brain in substantial amounts. Recent studies, while still inconclusive on whether or not GABA can cross the BBB, give us more knowledge of what it can do. Studies show that while oral consumption raises GABA levels in the bloodstream, the compound's relaxing effects are likely mediated through the Enteric Nervous System (the gut-brain axis), rather than by direct blood-brain barrier crossing.
Among other things, GABA tea can help with lowering blood pressure. Furthermore, studies have shown that the blood gamma-Aminobutyric acid levels are elevated just 30 minutes after oral GABA consumption.
Aside from specially produced GABA teas, White Tea is often cited as having naturally higher levels of GABA compared to other non-GABA teas.
How is GABA tea made?
The tea leaves are first withered, then placed into stainless-steel vacuum drums. There, the oxygen is removed and replaced with nitrogen. The tea remains in this environment for 8 to 10 hours. This oxygen-deprived environment forces the leaves to convert their natural glutamate into GABA, resulting in a higher concentration of gamma-aminobutyric acid within the tea.
What does GABA tea taste like?
The taste depends on the type of tea you are trying; the most popular are oolongs. If you try a high mountain GABA oolong tea, it won't taste drastically different from other similar types of oolong tea. However, it is worth noting that the taste is slightly sour, sometimes slightly sweeter, savory, and malty, often featuring notes of ripe fruit and cinnamon, rather than a fresh vegetal or floral character.
Should I try GABA tea?
While many of the health benefits of this tea are in question, many people do enjoy drinking it. Some claim that it promotes clarity and a peaceful state of being. While this could result from the placebo effect, it is essential to have your facts straight and not be misled by false advertising. Our suggestion is to try and see for yourself. If it makes you feel peaceful and happy, then why not?