Stress is something that we are all very familiar with.
Stress typically describes a negative concept or emotion that can have an impact on one’s mental and physical well-being.
We often look at stress as a temporary emotion, but stress can have a lasting effect on both the mind and body.
This is especially true for the heart. Nearly 80% of coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with stress.
How can stress lead to heart disease?
Stress sends mass quantities of chemicals, such as adrenaline into the body. These chemicals cause blood pressure, blood fats, cholesterol and blood sugar to increase as well as causing the arteries to constrict. All of this results in less blood reaching the heart.
In a study in the October 2007 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers studied both men and women with heart disease and found Chronic stress has been shown to increase the heart rate and blood pressure, making the heart work harder to produce the blood flow needed for bodily functions.
Where does green tea fit in?
The antioxidants (catechins) found in green tea help the body deliver glucose to the cells. Your body, when receiving adequate amounts of glucose, will feel less stressed, irritable or tired.
Theanine, a compound found primarily in green tea also has stress relieving properties. Theanine has been shown to increase brain waves which promote a sense of relaxation, as well as lower your heart rate.
