Brain Power: Can Drinking Tea Help?

August 3, 2023

Drinking tea can have a number of potentially beneficial effects on the brain. We are giving you a few ways tea can boost your brain power:

Improved Cognitive Function. Some studies suggest that certain compounds found in tea, such as theanine and caffeine, can enhance brain function. The combination of these substances can improve brain function and attention span.
Stress Relief. The act of drinking tea can be calming, and certain types of tea, like chamomile, are known for their soothing qualities. Theanine, an amino acid found in tea leaves, has been found to have a calming effect and can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Improved Memory and Learning. Some studies have found that the polyphenols in green tea can enhance brain areas related to learning and memory. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a type of catechin found in green tea, has been shown to have neuroprotective effects.
Reduced Risk of Neurodegenerative Disease. Some research suggests that the antioxidants found in tea can help protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Green tea, in particular, has been found to have compounds that can reduce the risk of these diseases.
Mood Enhancement. Regular tea drinkers often report improved mood and mental clarity, potentially due to the combination of caffeine and L-theanine, which can have synergistic effects. Theanine is known to promote relaxation without drowsiness.

Now, let’s dive into each of these areas a little further with some tea recommendations and why it matters.

Improved Cognitive Function

Cognitive function refers to the mental processes and abilities that allow individuals to acquire, process, store, and retrieve information. It plays a crucial role in almost every aspect of human life and is essential to our overall well-being and functioning, which includes learning, decision making, work performance, daily functioning, mental health, social interaction, and safety and independence. There are several types of tea often recommended for their potential cognitive benefits:

Green Tea. Green tea is high in antioxidants and contains a small amount of caffeine, which can boost brain function. It also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which can cross the blood-brain barrier and increase the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, which has anti-anxiety effects.
Black Tea. Similar to green tea, black tea contains caffeine and is rich in antioxidants. Some studies suggest that black tea can improve focus, thanks to its high content of the amino acids found in tea leaves.
Peppermint Tea. Some studies suggest that the aroma of peppermint tea can enhance memory and increase alertness, although more research is needed in this area.
Chamomile Tea. Known for its calming effects, chamomile tea could help with cognitive function by reducing stress and anxiety levels. However, it doesn’t contain caffeine, so it may not give you the same kind of alertness boost that other teas might.
Ginkgo Biloba Tea. Ginkgo biloba is a plant that’s often used in traditional medicine to treat blood disorders and improve memory, although research results have been mixed.
Rosemary Tea. Rosemary is often revered for its memory-boosting properties. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food concluded that rosemary tea improved the cognitive performance of elderly individuals.
Ginseng Tea. This tea is often used in traditional Chinese medicine for its potential cognitive benefits. Some studies suggest that ginseng could help improve brain functions like memory, behavior, and mood.

Undeniably, our cognitive abilities affect various aspects of our lives and are crucial for personal growth, success, and maintaining a high quality of life.

Stress Relief

Tea can certainly be a calming ritual and some types of tea have properties that may help to reduce stress and anxiety. Here are a few that are often recommended:

Chamomile Tea. Chamomile is perhaps the most well-known herb for relaxation and stress relief. It contains compounds that may have a mild tranquilizing effect.
Peppermint Tea. Peppermint tea can have a calming effect on the body and mind. The menthol contained in peppermint is a natural muscle relaxant.
Lemon Balm Tea. Lemon balm has been used as a calming herb for centuries. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve appetite, and ease pain and discomfort from indigestion.
Lavender Tea. Lavender is well-known for its soothing scent and is often used in aromatherapy to relieve stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Drinking lavender tea can have similar effects.
Passionflower Tea. Passionflower tea can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. It’s often used for relaxation and as a natural remedy for anxiety and high blood pressure.
Valerian Root Tea. Valerian root is often used as a natural remedy for symptoms of anxiety, depression, and menopause. It’s also used as a natural sleep aid.
Green Tea. Green tea has many health benefits, and one of them is stress relief. The reason is that green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and modifies the stimulating effects of caffeine.
Holy Basil (Tulsi) Tea. Holy basil, also known as tulsi, is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of ailments. It’s believed to help with anxiety and stress relief.

*Please note, however, that while these teas may aid in stress relief, they are not a substitute for other important stress management techniques, such as therapy, meditation, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet. Most importantly, if you’re dealing with significant stress or anxiety, please reach out to a mental health professional.

Improved Memory and Learning

Several types of tea have compounds that may help enhance memory and learning abilities. Check out these suggestions:

Green Tea. Green tea is rich in polyphenols, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which has been shown to have neuroprotective effects. It helps to maintain the parts of the brain that regulate learning and memory.
Black Tea. Like green tea, black tea is high in flavonoid compounds that have been associated with better brain health. It can help improve focus and attention, which are critical for learning.
Ginkgo Biloba Tea. Ginkgo biloba tea is made from the leaves of the ginkgo tree and is often used to enhance brain health. Though studies have given mixed results, some suggest that ginkgo may improve memory and cognitive speed.
Rosemary Tea. Rosemary has been traditionally associated with memory enhancement. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that rosemary tea improved the cognitive performance of elderly individuals.
Turmeric Tea. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which crosses the blood-brain barrier and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, which could improve memory and mood.
Ginseng Tea. Ginseng has been shown in some studies to help improve memory, and it’s often used in traditional Chinese medicine for its potential cognitive benefits.
Sage Tea. Sage has been used in traditional medicine to enhance memory and cognitive skills, and research has begun to explore these effects.

*Remember, while these teas may support cognitive function, they are not a cure or guaranteed method for improving memory and learning. Factors such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and engaging in cognitive-stimulating activities also play crucial roles in maintaining and improving your cognitive health.

Reduced Risk of Neurogenerative Disease

Research has indicated that certain types of tea may have properties that could potentially help protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Here are a few teas that have been noted for their potential neuroprotective effects:

Green Tea. Green tea is rich in antioxidants, including a polyphenol called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG has been shown to have neuroprotective effects and may help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases.
Black Tea. Black tea is rich in theaflavins, which are antioxidants that may help protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are involved in neurodegenerative diseases.
White Tea. Like green and black teas, white tea is derived from the Camellia sinensis plant and is high in antioxidants. Some research suggests that white tea could help protect against neurodegenerative diseases, although more studies are needed.
Oolong Tea. Oolong tea, another tea derived from Camellia sinensis, has been studied for its potential to inhibit enzymes related to Alzheimer’s disease.
Rooibos Tea. Rooibos tea is rich in antioxidants and has been studied for its potential to protect against oxidative stress, which is associated with neurodegenerative diseases.
Turmeric Tea. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that has been studied for its potential neuroprotective effects. Some research suggests that curcumin could help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, but more research is needed.

*While these teas contain compounds that could potentially help protect against neurodegenerative diseases, it’s worth noting that more research is needed in this area. Drinking tea should not be seen as a guaranteed prevention method or treatment for these diseases.

Mood Enhancement

Lastly, tea can have a calming and mood-enhancing effect due to its natural compounds, such as polyphenols and antioxidants. While individual preferences may vary, here are some types of tea that are commonly associated with mood enhancement:

Chamomile Tea. Chamomile tea is known for its calming properties and is often used to promote relaxation and relieve stress. It can help soothe anxiety and improve sleep quality, which can positively impact mood.
Green Tea. Green tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which has been found to promote relaxation and reduce stress. It also contains caffeine in smaller amounts compared to coffee, which can provide a gentle energy boost and increase alertness without causing the jitters.
Peppermint Tea. Peppermint tea has a refreshing and invigorating aroma that can help uplift your mood. It is also known for its digestive benefits, which can contribute to an overall sense of well-being.
Lemon Balm Tea. Lemon balm is a herb known for its calming effects. Drinking lemon balm tea can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of relaxation, thus enhancing mood.
Rooibos Tea. Rooibos tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea that is rich in antioxidants. It has a naturally sweet flavor and is often enjoyed for its calming effects, making it a good choice for promoting a positive mood.
Lavender Tea. Lavender has long been used for its calming properties and is often associated with relaxation and stress relief. Drinking lavender tea can help promote a sense of calmness and improve mood.
Ginseng Tea. Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb that is believed to help the body cope with physical and mental stress. It is often used to boost energy levels, enhance cognitive function, and improve overall well-being.

Please note that individual responses to tea can vary, so it’s important to listen to your body and choose teas that work best for you.

Takeaway

So, what’s the takeaway here? While each of these potential benefits can be enticing, it’s important to remember that more research is needed. Drinking tea should be just one part of a holistic approach to brain health. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and mental activities like reading or puzzles. Also, it’s important to talk with your doctor before starting any new dietary regimen, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are currently taking medication.