Green tea is a rich source of polyphenolic phytochemicals. In particular it contains high amounts of the catechin variety of flavonoids. Evidence suggests that these catechins may have health benefits in humans and animals. One protective effect of green tea polyphenols may stem from their ability to protect the brain from the damaging effects of stress. For example, in one study researchers investigated the effects of green tea polyphenols on the cognitive performance of rats subjected to stress. The green tea polyphenols were significantly able to lower levels of stress hormones and prevent the stress induced degradation of cognitive processes in the brains of the rats. Therefore green tea polyphenols may confer significant protective effects against stressful environmental situations and this protective effect may in turn allow the brain to maintain its normal homeostatic function in terms of its cognitive performance. This may explain the mood elevating effects of green tea polyphenols that have been consistently demonstrated in studies.
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