GABA tea facts for kids

GABA tea is a special kind of tea that comes from Japan. It's also known by names like Gabaron or Jia Wu Long cha. What makes it unique is how it's made. This tea goes through a special process without oxygen. This helps it collect a natural substance called GABA in its leaves.

What is GABA Tea?

GABA tea is different from regular teas because of its unique making process. This process is called oxygen-free fermentation. It means the tea leaves are processed in a place where there is no oxygen. This special method helps the tea leaves create more GABA.

How is it Made?

The idea for GABA tea started in Japan in 1984. A scientist named Dr. Tsushida and his team at a research institute developed it. They wanted to find a way to make tea with more GABA.

• They discovered a new way to ferment tea.
• They put green tea leaves in a special room without oxygen.
• Instead of oxygen, they used nitrogen gas.
• After about six to ten hours in this oxygen-free space, the tea leaves had a lot of GABA.
• They found that this method worked for all kinds of tea, including green tea, oolong tea, and black tea.

What is GABA?

GABA stands for gamma-aminobutyric acid. It's a natural chemical found in our bodies. It acts like a messenger in our brain and nervous system. Scientists have studied GABA for many years.

Health Benefits and Research

In the late 1980s, GABA tea became popular in Japan. It was sold as a product for people with high blood pressure.

• Early research showed that GABA could help lower blood pressure in animals and people.
• Later studies also suggested that drinking GABA tea might help reduce blood pressure.

Scientists are still learning about how GABA works in the body. Some research suggests that GABA from food or supplements might affect our nervous system. This could help our bodies produce more of their own natural GABA.