Pour a cup of happiness

10th October 2020 Lifestyle Tea

How tea can affect your mood

Tea has been consumed across the world for hundreds of years and is the most consumed drink in the world after water. Originating in China, tea leaves were first used for medicinal purposes. Nowadays tea is enjoyed by a majority of people in the UK, with around 100 million cups being consumed every day. It is still believed that tea has a variety of health benefits, and many people claim that they often feel better or more upbeat after a lovely cup of tea, so on World Mental Health Day we thought we would look at how a cup of tea really can improve your mood.

Black tea, white tea and green tea each have different qualities but are all derived from the same plant – the Camellia Sinensis plant. The difference between the tea types is down to the oxidising process the leaves have gone through. Tea leaves, regardless of how they are processed, contain antioxidants – green teas are the least processed and therefore contain the most antioxidants.

Antioxidants work to protect your body’s cells and reduce damage caused by free radicals. One of the antioxidants found in tea is said to potentially reduce the risk of having a heart attack of a stroke, by lowering blood pressure. Antioxidants play a part in mental health as well as physical health. Antioxidants help to reduce stress; lower levels of antioxidants are thought to correlate with higher levels of anxiety. So when you are feeling stressed and someone suggests you sit down, relax and have a cup of tea there is some merit in the belief that you will feel calmer.

It is believed that drinking tea could help to reduce blood sugar levels. Variable blood sugar levels are thought to be linked to mood disorders, including anxiety and depression. One of the types of antioxidants found in tea is thought to (if consumed regularly) lower blood pressure. High blood sugar levels are also linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Tea has anti-inflammatory properties, which could help to boost the immune system. Current studies are being conducted looking at the link between the immune system and mental health. It is suggested that a weak immune system could be a root cause of poor mental health. A healthy immune system protects against viruses and bacteria and it is widely believed certain teas can have a positive impact on the long-term health of your immune system.

A mug of tea can improve your focus and alertness, due to the caffeine it contains and an amino acid called L-theanine (coffee contains caffeine but doesn’t contain L—theanine). A symptom of poor mental health can be having difficulty concentrating or feeling restless. A cup of tea could help you focus and increase activity in the brain. It is also believed that daily consumption of tea could boost memory and offer protection from the development of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Not only does the consumption of tea have health benefits, it is thought that the brewing of the tea may do also. Brewing tea can be associated with calmness, taking time out to make a cup of tea and feelings of gratitude.

Specific teas with mood-boosting benefits

Lavender Tea

Lavender is known for its relaxing properties. The calming effect of our Lavender, Limeflower and Rose Tea Kites may help you to get a more restful sleep. Rose is known to calm and soothe, while limeflowers are said to improve your mood. If you need to de-stress, relax and get a good night’s sleep, this tea will make for the perfect nightcap.

Camomile Tea

Camomile is said to increase the quality of your sleep and reduce insomnia, so reach for this tea before bedtime. It has been said that drinking camomile tea over a period of time may help lower blood sugar levels, which could improve your overall mood.

Jasmine Tea

Jasmine is associated with relaxing, the scent is often found in aromatherapy and spas. The fragrant plant is said to promote feelings of contentment and happiness, soothe nervousness and tension and defuse anger and aggression. Jasmine tea is an aromatic green tea. The high levels of antioxidants may work towards lowering blood pressure and availing feelings of anxiety.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint has calming, soothing and uplifting properties. Peppermint tea is often consumed to aid digestion and relieve stomach cramps. The soothing effect can help to relax muscles and relieve tension, which can lead to a good night’s sleep if enjoyed in the evening.

Chun Mee

Chun Mee is a green tea, therefore high in antioxidants and l-theanine. This makes it a great brew to enjoy to help fight symptoms of stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that drinking a small cup of Chun Mee tea a day may lower the risk of depression in healthy people.

Darjeeling Tea

As well as containing antioxidants and l-theanine, Darjeeling tea is thought to help relieve stress by regulating the production of cortisol, a stress hormone. Stress can have an adverse effect on your immune system, so regulating your stress levels can improve your overall health.

Are you trying out a new selection of tea blends? Let us know! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and share your stories and pictures with the #MomentswithMiles. ☕

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