The expert explained the benefits and risks of drinking gaba tea

Gaba tea is becoming increasingly popular due to its unique composition. However, not everyone can drink it. Irina Volgina, Associate Professor of the Department of Therapy at the Medical Faculty of the State University of Education, told Izvestia about the features of the drink, the benefits and risks of its use on June 2.

According to the expert, this type of tea is produced using a special fermentation technology in an oxygen-free environment, which contributes to the accumulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in it.

"GABA is the most important inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It plays a key role in regulating mental arousal, improving sleep, reducing stress and anxiety, is even used in the treatment of epilepsy, and affects other body functions," the expert explained.

She noted the additional positive effects of GABA contained in gaba tea: stimulating the production of growth hormone, which helps increase muscle mass, as well as improving cognitive functions, including memory and attention.

However, Volgina warned about possible side effects. In some cases, drinking this tea can cause dyspeptic symptoms, sleep disorders, a feeling of heat and fluctuations in blood pressure. The specialist does not recommend drinking gaba tea with acute renal failure, low blood pressure and in the first trimester of pregnancy.

A particular problem, according to the doctor, is the difficulty of determining the exact concentration of GABA in each specific batch of tea, which makes it difficult to predict its effects.

"It is important to understand that gaba tea has an inhibitory effect on the nervous system, so it cannot be used as an energy drink," Volgina emphasized.

Earlier, on November 16, 2024, Julia Vereina, an endocrinologist at the SM Clinic, spoke about the effects of excessive tea consumption on the body. As the expert noted, its excess can disrupt the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) due to a substance called "tannin".