What molecule in black tea acts on stress?
When we say tea, we think directly of theine. Released gradually into the body over 6 hours, this molecule stimulates concentration and boosts our memory skills. Enough to be in full power of our intellectual capacities! This is another less known molecule, but also present in black tea, theanine, which has the power to soothe us. Absent from coffee, theanine is known to promote relaxation, thus reducing symptoms of anxiety. It’s crazy the effect that certain molecules have on our brain!
Do the tannins contained in black tea leaves have an anti-stress action?
Unlike theanine, which acts to reduce mental and physical stress, tannins have other benefits. Responsible for the astringency of tea (the bitterness sometimes felt), these antioxidant molecules allow plants - including the tea plant - to defend themselves against microbes. In humans who drink tea, this “shield” role is just as beneficial, since it helps preserve the youth of the cells. This can be seen in sagging skin and the formation of wrinkles, but also inside the body, where antioxidants play a key role in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular or inflammatory diseases...
How to make your black tea break an anti-stress moment?
It’s not just the composition of the tea that matters. The time we allow ourselves to drink black tea can also play a role in reducing our state of anxiety. Work rhythm experts have demonstrated it: breaks help you to be more efficient over time. Stopping, taking a break, allows you to re-concentrate better afterwards. Scheduling tea time in the afternoon allows you to slow down the pace. While we tend to swallow our coffee in one gulp, tea is part of a well-being moment where we take the time. We boil the water, infuse the tea, before drinking it in small sips. Enough to give us time to think, cogitate, meditate…
What if it doesn't work?
Wouldn't the best option be to tell yourself that stress is not necessarily bad? Wouldn't we easily get stressed about anything and everything? It was a revelation when we came across the Ted talk given by Kelly McGonigal, professional psychologist. She says that it is not stress that causes deaths each year, but the vision we have of it. It is when we consider it harmful, dangerous, that it impacts our health. The solution: see the manifestations of stress (accelerated heart rate, sweating) as the body's preparation to take on a new challenge! A bit like a burst of adrenaline that puts us in good condition. Moreover, personal development pros repeat it: it is our thoughts that create our reality. If we decide that stress is beneficial, that it is a driving force for us, then so be it!
Other health benefits of black tea
Black tea has many other benefits for health and the body. Black tea leaves are stimulating because of the theine they contain. They will provide you with the energy you need for your day without accentuating your nervousness, unlike coffee which is considered a stimulant due to its caffeine content. Black tea is also said to have benefits for digestion and stomach aches. Very rich in antioxidants, it also helps fight against the development of certain diseases and premature aging of cells.
Just like its cousins green teas and white teas, you will have understood that black tea is a drink with many health benefits. Consuming a cup of tea would impact your stress and anxiety levels by reducing it due to the presence of L-Theanine.