Gaba Tea: What is Relaxation Tea?

You may have already come across Gaba and wondered what it is. This somewhat strange name is actually an acronym and stands for a substance that we can find in some foods and even in the tea we drink. In recent years it has become synonymous with health and healing, and its beneficial properties have also been transferred to dietary supplements.

What Does Gaba Stand For?

Gaba is an acronym and stands for the English Gamma-AmminoButyric Acid, γ-aminobutyric acid.
This amino acid (more accurately neurotransmitter) is produced in our brains at times of particular tension, to counter anxiety and control blood pressure. We can also find it in tea leaves when they undergo special processing.
Gaba was discovered in the 1980s, in Japan, when Professor Tojiro Tsuchida observed that it was possible to increase the level of γ-aminobutyric acid in tea leaves if they were processed in a special way in a nitrogen-rich atmosphere.
It takes 6 to 10 hours to complete the processing of a Gaba tea, which is why this type of tea is quite expensive. is long, ranging from 6 to 10 hours. This is one reason why teas of this type are highly prized and expensive.
Gaba tea does not correspond to a certain category; in fact, we can find black, green, and oolong teas with a high Gaba content. In terms of taste, this does not undergo great variations. However, these teas may have particular roasted notes and tend to be astringent.

Beneficial Effects of Gaba Tea

γ-aminobutyric acid helps reduce stress and anxiety in the brain, contributing to a more relaxed state and balancing blood pressure. Those suffering from sleep disorders or high blood pressure can find valuable help in Gaba and those foods that contain it.
Another beneficial effect relates to appetite regulation. In fact, Gaba has recently been introduced into several weight-loss programs, especially in the form of a dietary supplement.
The sports world has also recently learned about the benefits of Gaba, especially for its ability to regulate muscle tone.

How To Prepare Gaba Tea

If you purchase a Gaba tea, the preparation instructions are the same as those that would be required for the “common” version of that tea. However, there is also a preparation method called therapeutic, which involves longer brewing times.
If it is a Gaba Sencha, you will need to keep the water temperature at 75°C and the leaves should be infused for 2 minutes.