Research Confirms Drinking Relieves Stress

Title:
Research Confirms Drinking Relieves Stress

Word Count:
476

Summary:
The results are in, the clinical trials have spoken. Drinking relieves stress--drinking green tea, that is. There's something in green tea that helps us relax. And it may start turning up in other foods soon.

The legendary benefits of green tea--weight loss, cancer prevention, immune system boosting, and more--have put green tea on everyone's top ten superfoods list. Now the teacup's relaxation effect has been proven in the lab.

An amino acid called theanine (or L-thean...


Keywords:
theanine,L-theanine,green tea,relaxation,stress management


Article Body:
The results are in, the clinical trials have spoken. Drinking relieves stress--drinking green tea, that is. There's something in green tea that helps us relax. And it may start turning up in other foods soon.

The legendary benefits of green tea--weight loss, cancer prevention, immune system boosting, and more--have put green tea on everyone's top ten superfoods list. Now the teacup's relaxation effect has been proven in the lab.

An amino acid called theanine (or L-theanine) is responsible for green tea's magic. First discovered in 1949, theanine is found almost exclusively in tea leaves. (It's also found in one type of mushroom--but who wants to relax with a plate of mushrooms?)

Clinical trials testing the relaxation effect of theanine produced remarkable results. Japanese researchers found that human volunteers became more relaxed about 30-40 minutes after taking up to 200mg of theanine. That's six cups of tea to you and me.

Once the theanine is flowing, a couple of things happen. Your brain waves start to shift into the alpha range. That's a good thing. Alpha brain waves occur when you are relaxed and peaceful, but still awake--like after a massage or a hot bath, or during meditation.

At the same time, theanine increases the GABA levels in your brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that is linked to dopamine and serotonin levels. This complicated-sounding chemical cocktail results in a relaxation effect. And what's more, theanine also lowers your blood pressure. Well, OK, the blood pressure part is only proven in rats. But testing continues.

So if you're stressed and anxious, relax with a few cups of green tea. You should begin to feel relaxed and alert in about half an hour. Theanine won't make you drowsy, but if it happens to be bedtime, studies have also shown you'll sleep better and awake more refreshed. By the way, if you're already relaxed when you start, it doesn't matter how much theanine you get—you won't get any more relaxed.

If you would rather get your theanine in a pill, you're in luck. Supplements containing theanine are readily available. One of the Japanese firms heavily involved in theanine research went beyond simple green tea extracts and developed Suntheanine, which is a synthesized, ultra-pure theanine. A company spokesperson stated there is “a tremendous opportunity for designing foods and medical foods targeting relaxation and the reduction of stress.”

I'm not sure what they have in mind, but the possibilities are wide open. More than 50 food items containing Suntheanine, including ice cream, candy, and beverages, are currently sold in Korea, Japan, and Europe. In America, it's only available in supplements right now. But I'm looking forward to seeing it in something that goes with my cup of tea. Relaxation muffin, anyone?

BONUS : Title:
Role of music in relieving stress

Word Count:
362

Summary:
Music plays a vital role in reducing our day to day tensions and stress leading to happiness and a better living.


Keywords:
future of pop music, future of the music industry, future music release, future of the music business, music future, future music, back to the future sheet music


Article Body:
Life today is full of stress and anxiety and especially in metropolitan cities situation is the worst. No need to explain, you can easily analyze when you are in hurry to reach the office thinking of some of your personal tensions and then the whole day hectic schedule where there is no time to relax and release your stress. On top of all, there is noise pollution, air pollution leading to a whole distress and discomfort.

Music is a great way to relive your day to day stress and is also used for therapeutic purposes. Even researches have proved that music’s ubiquity and portability has made it the number one stress buster. It is a matter of fact that everyone on this earth has an inclination towards listening good quality music.

The passion for music differs as per genre whereby youngsters mostly love fast and groovy numbers. People of the older times love classical music whereas kids like rhymes and children music. Not only this, many are attracted to listen natural sounds such as chirping of birds, water falling from the mountains and religious chants.

It may be any form of music but when you sit down for a moment, close down your eyes to listen, your heart rate and breathing slows down with your thoughts. As you get tuned to the music you get free of all the worries and concerns of the outer world and an inner journey begins. Within a couple of minutes, you will find yourself refreshed and renewed as if the sound has washed you and cleaned. You just need to have a CD player and a quality CD and some leisure time for this wonderful experience.

Many people even find pleasure and refreshed by playing music. It depends upon the individual as to which form of musical instrument he is able to play. Playing music in a routine brings comfort and joy that is immeasurable. It may be a piano or guitar but when you touch its keys or strings it contributes to a calming ritual allowing one to relax and unwind.

Visit our recommended website music-future.com