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Feeling Sluggish? Try a Cup of Tea
Want to lower your caffeine consumption, stay well hydrated and feel alert? Think tea!
Who knew tea had so many benefits besides good old-fashioned refreshment?
For starters, although tea has about half the amount of caffeine in a typical cup of coffee, it can give you a boost. “Tea has been shown in some studies to improve mental performance,” says Patricia Groziak, M.S., R.D., senior lead nutrition manager for Unilever.
The boost derives from a natural combination of caffeine and theanine, a unique amino acid found almost exclusively in tea. Research shows that drinking two to three cups of brewed black or green tea over a couple of hours helps increase attention and feelings of alertness, says Groziak.
Tea is also loaded with antioxidants, which help protect the body from damaging free radicals. “Beverages made from tea contain flavonoid antioxidants, which reinforce the body's natural defenses,” explains Groziak.
Although the types and amounts of flavonoids found in tea differ depending on the variety of leaf, the growing environment and how the tea was processed, an average cup of black or green tea provides 140 to 300 milligrams. And several studies have shown that after consumption of black or green tea, flavonoids appear in the bloodstream. In addition, the body’s antioxidant capacity increases.
The best news? Tea is also a great source of hydration and can be prepared in many different ways. Incorporate the benefits of tea into your diet with these refreshing summer recipes:
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I love tea as long as the tanin isnt high in it. Seems to give me an upset stomach. But alot of the herbal teas are great I've never had any trouble with them!
I grew up in Britain and a good cup of tea was part of our daily life - anytime anyone felt a headache coming on they would ask for a cup of tea to soothe them and chase away the pain