Mechanism of Tea Drinking in Regulating Mental Health and Obesity

Abstract

Tea provides notable health benefits through bioactive components, and various properties highlight tea’s potential as a functional drink for mental and physical health. However, the mechanism by which tea drinks regulate mental state and obesity remains to be further analyzed. In order to clarify this regulatory mechanism, this research investigates tea’s effects on mental health, particularly mood regulation, and physical health, focusing on lipid metabolism, anti-inflammatory responses, and bile acid metabolism. Tea consumption enhances cognitive functions, reduces depression risk via anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, and mitigates obesity by promoting fat oxidation, suppressing inflammation, and modulating gut microbiota. Long-term green tea intake improves sleep quality, testosterone levels, and gray matter volume in middle-aged and elderly men, while various teas reduce fat accumulation in obese murine models through distinct pathways, AMPK activation, and IL-6 suppression. Future research should focus on mechanistic studies isolating tea components, and validating tea-based interventions for public health. This research reveals tea’s potential and effects as a cost-effective dietary beverage for mental and physical health management.