Is Tea good for me?

A good tea is a powerful ally for your body. Beyond its irresistible taste and aroma, tea brings a whole lots of benefits for your body and mind. Whether you’re looking to feel more energised or just take a moment for yourself, tea has got you covered.

Tea delivers a steady energy boost without the crashes often associated with coffee thanks to its unique blend of Caffeine, L-theanine and Polyphenols.

Caffeine: A Natural Boost 

• Tea’s caffeine is absorbed more slowly than coffee’s due to the presence of tannins, compounds that bind to caffeine and regulate its release into the bloodstream.
• This results in a gentler rise in energy levels and a longer-lasting effect (typically 3–6 hours, depending on the tea).

L-theanine: The Calming Companion

• L-theanine is an amino acid found almost exclusively in tea plants. It promotes relaxation by increasing alpha brain wave activity, which is associated with a calm but alert mental state.
• Unlike the quick stimulation of coffee, the combination of caffeine and L-theanine in tea creates what’s often called “calm focus.”
• This synergy reduces the risk of energy crashes side effects.

Polyphenols: Antioxidant Protection

Polyphenols are a group of bioactive compounds, they are responsible for the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties of tea.

• Catechins: Key contributors to tea's health benefits, a potent antioxidant
• Flavonoids: Broad category of polyphenols that improve overall cellular health and help fight free radical
• Theaflavins and Thearubigins: Formed during oxidation, they have similar antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

Matcha

• Matcha offers the highest concentration of caffeine and L-theanine because you consume the entire powdered tea leaf, not just an infusion
• It provides a smoother, more sustained energy boost, often lasting 6–8 hours
• Matcha’s L-theanine content is particularly high due to the shading process used during cultivation, which increases the amino acid levels in the leaves

Green Tea

• Green teas are also rich in L-theanine and provide a more moderate caffeine boost compared to matcha
• Gyokuro, like matcha, is grown in shade and contains higher levels of L-theanine than standard sencha

Oolong Tea

• Oolong offers a middle ground, with caffeine and L-theanine levels between green and black tea
• It’s known for its smooth, mellow energy boost and subtle calming effects

White Tea

• White tea has the lowest caffeine levels among traditional teas and moderate L-theanine, making it a lighter, more subtle option for calm energy

Black Tea

• Black tea has a stronger caffeine content than green tea but lower L-theanine levels, offering more stimulation and less of the calming effect.
• While still gentler than coffee, it lacks the “calm alertness” that green tea or matcha provides.

The Calm energy

Improved Focus: The caffeine-L-theanine combination enhances cognitive function, focus, and memory without over-stimulation

Stress Reduction: L-theanine reduces cortisol levels, helping to manage stress and promote relaxation

Sustained Energy: Tea’s gradual caffeine release avoids energy crashes and keeps you feeling steady throughout the day