Feb
… and that will change your life forever
So much is being written about tea that we already think we know everything about it. But do we? Let us reveal to you tea’s biggest secret that you do not know yet.
The world of tea is vast and new discoveries are made every day. We learn more and more about its properties; new varieties are created; farmers experiment with different methods of processing the leaves; traders let their creativity go wild and offering more and more diverse mixtures; designers are inspired for yet another set of cups. The media are racing to share with us something more about the history of tea … And many people are still unaware of Camellia sinensis teas’ probably most unique quality. Let us talk about it!
But, tell us first…
Why do you drink tea?
If you are among the dedicated tea fans, you certainly do not do it just to warm up in the cold months of the year. To wake up in the morning? To give extra boost to digestion? To enjoy one truly amazing taste? To relax?
Whatever the reason, the most important thing is how we all feel after a cup of tea.
Are you ware of the fact that Buddhist monks drink tea before each meditation practice? Especially if they gather to meditate together, as they usually do in monasteries … They have been drinking a cup of tea – black or green, for more than 1500 years. Invariably.
We doubt that this is related to the legend of one of the famous monks – Bodhidharma, who cut off his eyelids in anger that he fell asleep after meditating incessantly for 7 years, then threw them on the ground. And from those eyelids, sprang the first tea tree. Although this is one of the legends about the origin of tea, monks do not drink tea to honor their teacher.
Buddhist monks still drink tea today because they have found that it keeps them awake and relaxed. They did not do complex experiments to prove this sensation. It is even possible that many of them never knew, and still do not know the reason for this effect. We know however why this happens because the teas from the Camellia sinensis family have been deliberately studied and today we already have many controlled medical studies that have proven the many benefits of the plant.
Tea’s biggest secret is that it keeps us awake and relaxed at the same time.
But how can we feel relaxed when there is caffeine in black and white and green tea?
Yes, there is caffeine. But caffeine in tea is less in quantity than in coffee – even in the one most saturated with it, the black tea. Secondly, tea caffeine dissolves more slowly in our body and therefore we have to wait longer to begin to feel its effect: at least 30 minutes. On the other hand, its effect lasts longer.
Caffeine in tea is like a slow fire that keeps the heat inside us without burning us. And third, caffeine in tea cannot have the shaking effect of coffee and cause palpitations or tremors, which some caffeine-sensitive people may complain from.
L-theanine – tea’s secret weapon
Tea is rich in flavonoid antioxidants that fight free radicals in our body. But it also contains the unique amino acid L-theanine which can affect certain aspects of our brain activity.
An electroencephalogram performed on participants in a 1999 study, showed the direct effect of L-theanine on the brain (Juneja et al. Trends in Food Science & Tech). It significantly increases the alpha frequency of brain waves which shows that it calms the brain without causing drowsiness.
This brain activity indicates a state of inner peace and at the same time clarity of thought. The same frequency is observed during meditation! And in meditation we know that the body has been relieved of all tension and is in a state of pleasant relaxation.
In meditation, we are in the present moment or in other words, we practice mindfulness. We are free of emotions, we are calm. At the same time, our mind is concentrated and awake. The effect of increasing the alpha frequency of brain waves was found after a higher dose of L-theanine – about 20 mg.
Caffeine makes you feel fully awake and full of energy, and L-theanine makes you feel calm and concentrated.
Which tea is richest in L-theanine?
According to a 2016 study published in Pharmacogn Mag., the content of L-theanine in white, green, oolong and black tea is respectively: 6.26, 6.56, 6.09 and 5.13 mg / g. That is, the largest amount of L-theanine is in green tea, and the champion of green teas is matcha.
Thanks to L-theanine, our body absorbs caffeine more slowly, but it can enjoy energy from it for a longer time – up to 6 hours in the case of the match.
In addition, it increases dopamine levels (low dopamine levels make us feel depressed), along with other neurotransmitters such as serotonin and gamma aminobutyric acid, and thus increases our concentration and mood, while reducing stress.
L-theanine is responsible for the taste of umami found in green tea. Some studies have found that it has a beneficial effect on stress reactions, memory and attention span.
Keep in mind that mixing tea with a little milk does not reduce the content of L-theanine, but if you add a large amount, it will already affect it. The longer you brew your tea, the greater the amount of L-theanine in it. But, you know, it also increases caffeine levels. So, keep that in mind!
Who will benefit from L-theanine?
L-theanine is beneficial not only for those who want to meditate. Imagine how your extremely busy work day will go, when you have a deadline to submit a project or you have to complete a task, or your boss is just not in the mood. Wouldn’t it be nice, despite everything, to maintain your good mood and your ability to concentrate and work efficiently!? Or if you are a mother of a toddler, full of energy to explore the world, and you must chase this toddler all day … Or you have to study for an exam and time is almost up. Or …
Life can be happier now that we know the biggest secret of tea!
In short: Benefits of L-theanine
- reduces stress and anxiety in people who have experienced stressful situations
- increases relaxation without causing drowsiness
- reduces the resting heart rate
- increases concentration
- strengthens immunity
DELMARTE HOME
