Drinking green tea and the risk of depression
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