Do you schedule your coffeemaker to start making coffee before you set your alarm? According to a recent Gallup poll, 64% of Americans over the age of 18 drank at least one cup of coffee a day in 2015. Coffee is considered the giver of life in the morning; the perfect boost to get your day started. While coffee does have some positive benefits, the medical science and health benefits of tea make it a great choice to jump start your day. Tea is not only a great morning ritual but it has a unique combination of health promoting compounds that can not only assist you in the moment but long-term as well.
Tea and Caffeine
Often the first question when attempting to convince someone to switch from coffee to tea is “what about caffeine?” Don’t worry, tea can still provide morning caffeine to kick start your day. It all depends on the type of tea and how it's processed and prepared. A recent study discovered there can be a noticeable difference in caffeine levels in tea depending on the water temperature for steeping, the amount of tea used, how long it infuses, and the number of times it’s infused. For example, whether your tea choice is black, oolong, or green, a slightly higher water temperature, a longer infusion time, and a touch more of loose tea (if using teabags add another bag) can increase caffeine content. As the caffeine content can vary quite a bit from one tea to another, be sure to double check the packaging of any tea that you do purchase if caffeine is an important start to your day.
Tea is Brimming With Antioxidants
Green tea is loaded with antioxidants called catechins. These powerhouse compounds are believed to possess a host of health benefits from helping to control blood glucose levels, promote cardiovascular health, promoting healthy gut bacteria, and supportive of brain processes. A particular catechin, EGCG, is present in high content in green tea and has been the focus of much current research involving the health properties in tea. Black tea contains catechins in the form of theaflavins and thearubigins, which can help lower cholesterol levels. While getting your caffeine boost, tea does double duty and gives you some antioxidants as well. Antioxidants are also linked with immune boosting properties, and and as an added bonus, keep your skin looking younger by supporting repair mechanisms for your skin.
Tea is Better for Your Teeth and Gums
A healthy compound in tea supports teeth and gum health and can decrease the risk of cavities. The most common bacteria in dental caries, Streptococcus mutans, may be inhibited by green tea! A 2014 study in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found that the compounds in green tea helped inhibit the growth of this pesky bacteria and promote oral health. There is even consideration that it be used in mouthwash as a way to stave of cavities.
Tea Gives You Long-Lasting Energy
Instead of the mid-day crash you feel after a cup of coffee, tea gives you long-lasting energy throughout the day. There is an amino acid called L-theanine that supports your brain, cognitive function, and can induce a sense of focused calm. With the combination of caffeine and L-theanine, you’re able to maintain that focus and keep your energy up. Coffee lacks this critical substance, L-theanine which is unique to tea and works synergistically with caffeine to provide a focused energy and less “jittery” upregulation. Teas, like this one featuring green tea and ginseng, are great to help keep you focused throughout the day.
Tea is Easier to Make
Instead of spending time grinding coffee, filling up the coffee maker, and waiting for it to brew, tea prep can be efficient and quick if you’re short on time and on-the-go. Simply heat up some water and drop a tea bag in (loose leaf tea is great but might be a bit more difficult if you’re at the office). If you want to optimize your tea experience, the use of silk tea sachets, or bags, is a better option than coffee filters because they have a neutral taste, and a nice full size tea sachet makes it easier for water to pass through and let the tea blossom. Your tea is going to taste better, and there isn’t a need for expensive accessories or products. Just water and a tea bag are needed to jump start your day!