Important Bioactive From Plants!
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) is a non-proteinogenic amino acid that functions as the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Unlike protein-forming amino acids, GABA is not incorporated into proteins but plays a key signaling role. In the plant kingdom, GABA is naturally found in a variety of species, especially those subjected to stress or fermentation. Notable dietary sources include germinated brown rice, sprouted legumes (like mung beans and soybeans), spinach, tomatoes, and fermented foods such as kimchi, miso, and GABA-enriched tea.
Among its possible health benefits:
· Inhibitory Neurotransmitter
· Relaxation/ Anti-anxiety
· Hypotensive
· Sleep enhancement
· Glucose and lipid metabolism
· Immunity
· Neuroprotective
· Depression/Stress
· Gut Health
The bioavailability of GABA from tomatoes was studied and it was found that GABA consumed through tomato juice is effectively absorbed into the bloodstream, with a pharmacokinetic profile similar to pure GABA in water. While the study did not assess health outcomes, it confirmed that GABA from natural food sources like tomatoes can enter circulation and potentially exert physiological effects.
Investigations of germinated brown rice (GBR) found that the germination process significantly increases its GABA content, enhancing its functional properties. In human trials, consumption of GBR led to improvements in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, blood pressure, and lipid profiles, particularly in people with diabetes or hypertension.
Another interesting study examined the effect of GABA-enriched oolong tea on stress and sleep in healthy adults. The randomized controlled trial found that participants who consumed GABA-enriched tea for four weeks showed significant reductions in subjective stress levels and improved sleep quality compared to the placebo group. The authors linked these benefits to GABA’s ability to modulate the autonomic nervous system and reduce cortisol levels.
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*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid-
