You could probably accompany every mood with a tea of a different color. The effects of black, green and other herbal tea are vast and sometimes contrasting. There is tea that makes you happy and tea for mood swings.
The calming and soothing effects of tea are well known. Caffeine, which can be found in many teas is also well known to give you a boost in energy and help your concentration. There are also more peculiar relationships between tea and one’s state of mind. Some of these side effects are negative and others are positive.
There is a tea for every mood. Once you have started experimenting with the brewing and infusing process you will be able to observe the subtleties of different teas. For some situations, green tea may be ideal and for others, oolong may be the tea of choice.
Learn more about some of the side effects and benefits of drinking tea and how a cup a day can affect your state of mind.
Benefits
1. Relaxation
Tea is a well-known relaxant. For centuries a cup of tea has been used at the end of the day to tie everything together and allow one to reflect. This is partly due to what is in the tea. For example, “the menthol contained in peppermint is a natural muscle relaxant.”(HuffPost). So you may want to brew a peppermint tea the next time you are feeling stressed.
The simple routine and ritual of brewing and drinking also contribute to a sense of calm. For some people, it maybe has more to do with the gentle warmth a good cup of tea brings your body.
Making a cup of tea can be a natural response to anxiety. Certain teas like Peppermint, Chamomile and Green tea are known for inducing a meditative and calming state in their drinkers. Herbal teas, in particular, are known to aid sleep.
See Here: A Guide to Tea Types
2. Concentration
If you want to stay focus for a sustained amount of time tea could be your new best friend. Most people reach for a coffee or an energy drink if they need a jolt of caffeine but tea can be equally as effective. Even more importantly tea often tastes better!
Green or black tea before a meeting or a study session could be the quick fix you need. Recent studies suggest both l-theanine and caffeine, commonly found in tea, may improve cognitive function. Occasionally everyone needs a boost and tea can be that warm and comforting solution.
If you are fond of the idea of brain foods then you may want to begin integrating green tea into your routine. It is an effective type of tea to help you achieve optimal focus and energize your mind.
3. Energize
The high percentage of caffeine in some teas can boost your energy levels. A good cup of tea can change your outlook if you are feeling bogged down and need a lift. In particular, yerba mate which has a caffeine level comparable to coffee (78 milligrams in eight ounces) has become increasingly popular in the US for its energizing properties.
The myriad effects of tea can sometimes seem contradictory. But it is all about the type of tea and the time you choose to partake. A caffeine high tea in the morning before work is a great idea. Teas like yerba mate are useful if you want to be energized and focussed for a purpose.
On the other hand, drinking an herbal tea might be the more appropriate choice if you are looking for a cup before bed. There truly is a tea for every mood.
4. Brain Power
In recent years there has also been plenty of research surrounding the long-lasting effects of tea on your brain. The mood-altering nature of tea is largely attributed to the amount of L-theanine and caffeine in the average cup of tea.
“Evidence of long-term health benefits is emerging, too: drinking at least 100 milliliters (about half a cup) of green tea a day seems to lower the risk of developing depression and dementia.”(Nature)
It seems that tea can help prevent undesirable states of mind. Obviously, life factors will often play a more significant role in determining your state of mind. However, if you are a regular tea drinker you should be aware of its effects.
It is always worth considering what you eat and drink. This is particularly true if you are drinking 4 or 5 cups of tea a day. It may be helpful to be more discerning when it comes to the type of tea you are drinking. Prioritizing herbal teas and caffeine-free loose leaf tea may be a smart approach.
5. Tea and Depression
Some teas have also been associated with lifting people out of depressive moods. Studies have suggested that people who drink more tea have a decreased risk of depression.
Chamomile and Ashwagandha are some of the best tea for improving mood. Both have elements associated with lowering anxiety and promoting calmness. “A 2013 animal study suggested that green tea consumption increases dopamine and serotonin, which has been linked to reducing symptoms of depression. (Healthline)
If there is a tea for every mood green tea may be the one depressive moods. Obviously, various lifestyle changes will need to accompany any drink if you wish to measurably alter your mood. But switching to herbal teas and brewing more loose leaf tea is a great start!
Side Effects
1. Anxiety and Restlessness
A heavy intake of tea on a regular basis can leave you feeling anxious and restless. While in the short term tea is often used to accompany downtime and help you relax it can have side effects in the long term.
A caffeinated tea before bed is probably not the best idea. The caffeine will keep you awake and unless you need to focus this can be annoying. Caffeine can make you overreact to situations and this can make you restless.
If you have experienced any of these undesirable symptoms then this may be evidence that your cup of tea is affecting your mind in a negative way. If you become dependent on tea to rid your mind of stress it will probably be less effective.
2. Addiction
Tea can very easily become an addiction. This may seem relatively trivial when compared to other obsessions but an addiction of any kind is rarely positive. While there are several health benefits to drinking tea, too much can be damaging.
Many types of tea contain caffeine and becoming dependent on your daily shot can be risky. This is particularly true if you are not aware of the addictive nature of caffeine.
Drinking herbal teas and other non-caffeinated teas may be the solution. It is surprising how easily tea can affect your state of mind. So it is important to be aware of both the positives and negatives of tea consumption. Find a tea that makes you happy but doesn’t be afraid to experiment with different types of tea to avoid dependency.
Tea For Every Mood
For hundreds of years, tea has been used to fuel relaxation, concentration, and performance. It is easy to overhype the effects of a good cup of tea. The benefits and consequences of drinking tea are not hugely significant as long as you are consuming tea in moderation.
Tea can be used to aid relaxation and kick start action. Sometimes the effects of drinking tea can seem contradictory. This is why it is important to consider when and what you are brewing. There is a tea for mood swings and tea for depression. It is up to you to decide on the best tea to improve your mood.
When you brew your next cup of tea you can now think about the side effects of drinking tea and the health benefits of tea. A simple cup of warm tea can affect your state of mind more than you think. It is important to have a tea for every mood. Whether you favor herbal or breakfast, loose leaf or bag tea you now know how each will interact with your body and mind!
Why do you drink tea?
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