Which molecule in black tea is thought to act on stress?
When you think of tea, the first thing that comes to mind is theine. Released gradually into the body over 6 hours, this molecule is believed to stimulate concentration and boost our memory skills. Just what you need to be at the peak of your mental faculties! Yet another lesser-known molecule, also found in black tea, theanine, is thought to have the power to soothe us. Absent from coffee, theanine is renowned for promoting rest and relaxation, thereby easing symptoms of anxiety. It is amazing what an effect certain molecules can have on our brain!
Do the tannins in black tea leaves have an anti-stress effect?
Unlike theanine, which is believed to help reduce mental and physical stress, tannins offer different benefits. Responsible for the tea's astringency (that occasional hint of bitterness), these antioxidant molecules help plants—including the tea plant—defend themselves against microbes. For tea drinkers, this “shielding” role is just as beneficial, as it helps preserve cellular youthfulness. This can be seen in skin firmness and wrinkle reduction, but also inside the body, where antioxidants are believed to play a key role in preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory conditions...
How can you turn your black tea break into a moment of calm?
It is not just what is in the tea that counts. The time you set aside to enjoy a black tea can also play a role in easing your anxiety. Workplace experts have shown it: taking breaks helps you stay more productive over the long run. Stopping, pausing for a moment, allows you to refocus better afterwards. Scheduling an afternoon tea break helps you slow down the pace. Whilst coffee is often gulped down in one go, tea is part of a wellness ritual where you take your time. You boil the water, brew the tea, and then sip it slowly. Giving you plenty of time to reflect, ponder, and meditate…
And what if that doesn't work?
Might the best approach be to remind ourselves that stress is not necessarily a bad thing? Do we not tend to get stressed easily over anything and everything? It was a real revelation when we came across the Ted Talk given by professional psychologist Kelly McGonigal. She explains that it is not stress itself that causes deaths each year, but the way we perceive it. It is when we view it as harmful and dangerous that it takes a toll on our health. The solution: see the physical signs of stress (a faster heart rate, sweating) as the body preparing to take on a new challenge! Much like a surge of adrenaline getting us ready. What's more, personal development experts keep reminding us: our thoughts create our reality. If we decide that stress is beneficial, that it serves as a driving force for us, then so be it!
The other health benefits of black tea
Black tea boasts many other benefits for your health and body. Thanks to the theine they contain, black tea leaves are naturally stimulating. They will provide the energy you need for your day without increasing nervousness, unlike coffee, which is considered a stimulant due to its caffeine content. Black tea is also thought to aid digestion and soothe stomach aches. Rich in antioxidants, it is also believed to help fight the onset of certain illnesses and premature cell ageing.
Just like its cousins green tea and white tea, as you will have gathered, black tea is a beverage offering numerous health benefits. Drinking a cup of tea is thought to have an impact on your stress and anxiety levels by reducing them, thanks to the presence of L-theanine.