What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about having a cup of tea? Snuggling up next to a fire with a book and your steaming brew? Relaxing at the end of the day and watching the sunset while sipping from your favorite mug? Brewing a cup early in the morning as you prepare for work? Waiting impatiently as the tea leaves steep in your teapot? All these images and more can be associated with enjoying this beverage, but what about getting energy from your tea?
Some tidbits about tea
There are dozens of reasons why people love tea and why it’s the second most consumed beverage in the world (water is first). One reason is variety. Depending on the source, there are six or more types of tea: those that come from the evergreen shrub known as Camellia sinensis (black, oolong, green, white, pu-erh) as well as blended teas (black, green, or white teas blended with herbs or oils). Any of these teas can be categorized according to where they are grown, which means the variety of flavors, though subtle, can be extensive. In addition, there are scores of herbal teas available. You could literally have a different tea every day of the year and still have some flavors left over to try the following year.
Read about the health benefits of tea
Another reason people choose tea is for its health benefits. Herbal teas typically each have their own unique properties according to the ingredient or ingredients in them. Teas derived from Camellia sinensis provide significant levels of polyphenols, which act as antioxidants and help manage cell-damaging free radicals. Green tea is the richest in the antioxidant epigallocatechin-3 gallate, while black tea is the best source of theaflavins. Generally, teas are credited with numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of cancer, premature death, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
Yet another reason why some people include tea in their diet is the caffeine content. An individual’s caffeine preferences can range from zero to low because of an intolerance or not wanting to experience the potential side effects, which can include jitters, headache, irritability, muscle tremors, insomnia, nervousness, frequent urination, and rapid heartbeat. Here’s a rundown of the approximate caffeine content of teas and coffee per 8-oz cup:
- Coffee: 100-120 mg (Note: Some coffee brews from popular commercial establishments can be significantly higher.)
- Black tea: 30-60 mg
- Green tea: 25-50 mg
- Decaf tea: 1-8 mg
- Herbal tea: 0 mg
How to get an energy kick
Boosting your energy in a natural, healthy way involves a holistic approach that includes a number of lifestyle habits. For example:
- Whole food diet. Whole, natural foods are the best source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, proteins, fats, enzymes, phytonutrients, and other essential elements that are necessary for consistent energy, healthy immune function, and optimal digestion.
- Hydration. Staying well-hydrated is frequently overlooked when people think about energy needs. You need adequate water intake to maintain healthy energy levels, yet about 47 percent of Americans don’t get enough. That amount varies depending on the individual, but generally, adults living in temperate climates need about 96 ounces (women) or 128 ounces (men) daily. One caveat is that teas with caffeine can have a diuretic effect (flushing fluids out), so keep that in mind when drinking beverages with high caffeine content.
- Stress management. Unmanaged chronic stress is associated with fatigue and sleep problems, including insomnia. Daily attention to reducing stress, whether it’s deep breathing, yoga, meditation, visualization, exercise, or other calming activities, can help relieve tension, anxiety, and stress and help boost energy.
- Adequate sleep. Stress, insomnia, and fatigue typically go hand-in-hand. Getting adequate restful sleep (7-8 hours nightly) is essential for healthy energy levels.
- Exercise. Engaging in daily physical activity, in addition to the other suggested lifestyle factors, can enhance your energy level. When you exercise, oxygen and nutrients are transported to your cells (especially the mitochondria, which are the organelles that produce energy) and support your cardiovascular, respiratory, and other organ systems.
Read about mental health in your cup of tea
Tea for an energy kick
What if there were a tea that provided an extra energy kick from some extra caffeine, but still less than in coffee, and without the jittery effect of caffeine? There is such a tea, and the reason it can meet these goals is L-theanine.
L-theanine is a naturally occurring amino acid found mainly in black and green teas and some mushrooms. It is often used to help relieve stress and anxiety, and its effectiveness has been shown in numerous studies.
For example, a 2022 study found that L-theanine was successful in reducing anxiety in moderately stressed adults and lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol. In a 2019 review of published reports, the authors noted that L-theanine was safe and provided stress relief at various doses. In another review involving five random controlled trials, the reviewers reported that L-theanine use significantly improved stress and anxiety in people who were experiencing stressful situations.
A new tea called Peak Energy from Bigelow is a black tea that has been enhanced with extra L-theanine and caffeine. While the added caffeine adds an energy kick, the L-theanine balances the jittery effect. That means you can enjoy this tea for an energy boost and for stress relief at the same time. Because of the additional energy boost, you should not drink this tea in the afternoon or later, as it may affect your sleep.
Bottom line
You can get an energy boost from caffeine, the health benefits of tea, and the stress-reducing gift from L-theanine in one product. The added caffeine and L-theanine In Peak Energy work in synch to give you a lift without the jitters.
