Gaba Tea and the Positive Effects on Insomnia, Stress, and Blood Pressure

Te Gaba: a world of benefits for our body

Let's discover together Gaba tea, the latest arrivals on Terza Luna

The Gaba teas are a type of tea - here an article dedicated to other varieties of tea and their properties - introduced in Japan around the mid-80s. Gaba Tea was discovered by chance by Professor Tojiro Tsuchida at the Japanese National Institute of Advanced Food Research while researching the amino acid L-theanine found in tea. Tsuchida noticed that if shaded tea leaves (a process that increases the amount of glutamic acid) immediately after harvesting and before processing were vacuum-packed in a metal chamber (for oxygen-free fermentation) with the addition of only nitrogen, they naturally developed a high percentage of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which was then found in their infusion along with the other antioxidant properties of tea.

What is the amino acid Gaba?

But what is this amino acid called GABA? The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter of the central nervous system (CNS) and is a molecule produced from glutamic acid. GABA is released by GABAergic neurons in the brain and acts on GABA receptors, a class of receptors that respond to the binding of gamma-aminobutyric acid, whose activation leads to a reduction in neuronal excitability and induces relaxation. The same mechanism of activation or agonism of these receptors is also exploited by many drugs with sedative and anxiolytic effects. GABA is an endogenous neurotransmitter, produced by the body to meet its needs. In certain situations of stress or psychophysical fatigue, however, a deficiency of this amino acid tends to occur, causing anxiety, insomnia, and irritability.

• Similar benefits against stress and insomnia can be obtained from consuming an infusion or herbal tea with Brahmi, of which Terza Luna offers in powder format and in convenient packages of various sizes.

What are the effects of GABA then? This neurotransmitter modulates monoamines, hormonal growth, reduces nervous irritation and stress, making these teas excellent for those suffering from insomnia and effective for improving mental functions. In addition, they stimulate the growth of somatropin increasing both lean muscle mass and fat metabolism. Their main effects are: hypotensive, counteract the effects of diabetes and stress, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. For this reason, they are considered an excellent natural remedy for insomnia (read here the article on herbs for sleeping and combating anxiety, or the guide to relaxing essential oils for sleep).

Gaba Oolong 

In addition to being found in some foods, especially fermented ones, Gaba amino acids are found in very large quantities precisely in the teas processed with the method described above.

I am Gaba tea - a variety of oolong tea - which Terza Luna offers you online and in-store from Taiwan , one of the many treasures we came across on our May 2018 journey. We managed to bring them back here to Europe because after trying them, feeling their effects, and falling in love with their taste , we decided that it was really worth it.
In addition to having excellent properties, the Gaba oolong teas we offer have a very particular taste, ranging from hazelnut to toasted, with floral notes in the background. These are oolong teas whose leaves, in the classic Taiwanese style, are rolled into balls.
Once infused in water, they will slowly open up, showing the fullness of the leaf.

Taste of Gaba tea

Terza Luna offers you 3 different types of Gaba oolong with a particular taste, from organic crops from Taiwan.

Gaba Oolong Amethyst Tea

This organic Gaba tea comes from the chin shi cultivar, from Taiwan , from organic oolong tea plantations located in the mountains at about 1500 meters above sea level. It is a slightly toasted tea, or 'charcoal roasted' , a traditional roasting method that is becoming increasingly rare, as it is a process that requires time and skill. Roasting is very important in Oolong teas, as it significantly influences their flavor . Gaba tea leaves undergo a very short roasting process that gives a sweet, yet warm and complex taste.

Gaba Oolong Amber Tea

This type of Amber Gaba Oolong maintains the characteristic taste ranging from toasted to hazelnut typical of this oolong tea variety, with a floral aftertaste and pronounced notes of cocoa beans and chocolate . Like all Gaba teas from Terzaluna, it comes from Nantou County, Taiwan, from an organic cultivation. Oolongs from Nantou are the best Gaba teas on the market, and we are proud to offer them among our teas for sale online.

Gaba Oolong Topaz Tea

The Gaba tea for sale on Terzaluna in the Topaz variety has a enveloping and unique taste. The taste of Topaz Gaba Tea maintains the toasted notes , but the floral aftertaste characteristic of Oolong teas is complemented by honey and orange blossom notes, making it an extremely fresh and refreshing tea.

Gaba Oolong Ruby Tea

This Ruby Gaba Oolong tea from Nantou, Taiwan, from organic cultivation, has an intense and pleasant taste and very low caffeine content , a factor that combined with the high percentage of gamma-aminobutyric acid in Gaba teas makes it a beverage useful for relaxing the nervous system.

Preparation of Gaba teas

How do you prepare a good Gaba tea? We recommend preparing all 3 with the same methodology:

• Taiwan or China teapot type Yixing
• 3 g of leaves for a 250ml teapot.
• From 45 sec. to 60 sec. of infusion
• Water at 90°C
• Multiple infusions, meaning you can make up to 4-5 infusions with the same leaves

How much Gaba should I drink to enjoy its benefits?

According to research conducted by the Japanese research center NARO[6], to obtain the beneficial properties demonstrated by Gaba teas , the daily intake should be:

1. Prevention: 10-20mg per day, equivalent to 2-3 cups
2. More intense conditions: 50mg per day equivalent to 6-7 cups

According to NARO research, in 100g of good quality gaba oolong tea there are from 300mg to 500mg of Gaba, with peaks up to 700mg.

Gaba amino acids are naturally found in:

1.  Gaba tea (Gabaron) 150-400mg / 100g GABA
2. Tomatoes, depending on the variety
3. Fermented foods like fermented soybeans (Tempeh GABA) and GABA-milk
4. Germinated rice (Hatsuga Genmai)
5. Potatoes, depending on the variety
6. Citrus fruits, depending on the type: Oranges: 11.5mg; Grapefruit: 23mg

Posted by Terza Luna