Tea is the second-most consumed drink in the world and the only beverage that is above this in the list is water! With such a ubiquitous drink, you’d think that we would understand every aspect of tea but this is not the case at all. There are new studies being published all the time that suggest some of the benefits and impacts of tea. There are a lot of people who have a strong opinion on tea and whether it helps them with certain aspects of life.
On top of this, we need to think about the fact that there are lots of varieties of tea. Some people want to chill out and relax with their hot beverage and chamomile tea is known to help with this. So what about those who want to focus?
With so many millions of cups consumed every single day and loads of different regions where tea is grown, there are so many people who are looking for the type they like the most as well as working out which might have different benefits and properties. Tea has been consumed since ancient times so it is quite impressive to consider we are still learning about it and still understanding the things it can help with (this includes focus).
Why People Look to Tea to Help
Lots of us can think of different times in our lives when being able to focus would help. People who need to focus for long periods of time may try to find different healthy ways to remain in the zone.
Poker tournaments are a prime example of one of the times when people need to focus for long periods. Strategy is included in the game and this means that there are some demands on players to pay close attention to what is unfolding around them. Any method that may be able to boost this staying power and focus can be potentially helpful.
People who are involved in Ignition online poker tournaments will be doing so from their own homes and connecting to people over the internet which means that they are free to take on refreshments between hands and in downtime. Eating and drinking the right things might help people to get those marginal gains and feel in the best possible mindset to play poker.
Poker tournaments can take place over a long period of time and this means that there are more and more people looking for help with focus and endurance that can get them through the days. We all know that we feel at our best when we feel fresh and tea can be more than just a delicious refreshment.
The same comparisons can be made for other games that involve strategy and take a long time to complete. Chess is one of these examples. People may also opt for certain types of tea to help them focus on work or finish an important report.
The Role of Caffeine and L-Theanine
Caffeine is something that there have been a lot of studies on as it does have some downsides if people consume too much of it. It also has benefits if used correctly.
The science behind tea and its benefits can be complex – In tea’s green and black varieties (the ones most people drink) it has a moderate amount of caffeine present. This is a natural stimulant known to improve alertness and most people know a bit about caffeine and what it does to the system. More people associate caffeine with coffee because of the higher levels but tea also boasts L-theanine – an amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness.
This combination allows tea drinkers to enjoy a more balanced boost of energy and avoid the jittery feeling often linked with higher-caffeine beverages like coffee (some people refer to this as a crash). Studies suggest that the pairing of caffeine and L-theanine can improve focus and task performance by enhancing alpha brain wave activity.
A study published in Nutritional Neuroscience found that L-theanine and caffeine together improved reaction time as well as attention and memory among participants. This makes tea an option for those looking for sustained focus without the caffeine-induced downsides common in some other drinks.
Antioxidants and The Brain
Tea has a lot of antioxidants that are referred to as catechins and polyphenols. These are compounds that help protect cells from oxidative stress. These antioxidants may also improve blood flow to the brain, enhancing mental clarity and cognitive function. A review presented at the International Symposium on Tea and Human Health and shared by Alzheimer’s Research UK highlighted that regular tea consumption is linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s which helps in adding another layer of support for tea as a focus-enhancing drink.
Green tea’s catechins are believed to play a role in neuroprotection. By supporting healthy brain function, tea could aid in maintaining sharpness and focus over time.
Popular Teas for Focus
Lots of people enjoy shopping for different types of tea and they can even make some good gifts. Different teas can cater to specific needs when it comes to improving focus. Matcha has grown in popularity as a powdered form of green tea and is often highlighted for its high concentration of L-theanine and antioxidants and can be an option for people looking for these benefits.
Earl Grey or English Breakfast teas have a bit more of a caffeine kick with additional brain-boosting abilities. And more herbal teas like peppermint or ginseng may not have caffeine but can still support mental clarity through their refreshing and stimulating effects. In the summer people might reach for iced teas more regularly but the good news is they can still do a similar job.
With tea being such a popular drink it is no wonder so many people are considering the benefits it can have and trying to understand what they may drink gallons of every year!
