Green tea reportedly has various beneficial effects (eg, anti–stress and anti-inflammatory).

Japanese researchers conducted the first study designed to assess the relationship between green tea and depressive symptoms in a community population.

First, the details.

• 1058 community-dwelling elderly Japanese individuals completed a questionnaire.
• Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale.
• Participant taking antidepressants were considered to have depression.

And, the results.

• Mild-to-severe and severe depressive symptoms were reported in 34% and 20%, respectively.
• After adjusting for confounding factors, higher green tea consumption was significantly associated with a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms.

The bottom line?

The authors concluded, “Consumption of green tea may have a potentially beneficial effect on the prevention of depressive symptoms.”

More studies are needed to support these findings.

12/24/10 20:31 JR