Good Morning Green Tea!

Does your morning beverage routine sometimes leave you feeling jittery and irritable?  Do you often feel that you are depleted and in need of a snack just an hour or two later?  While everyone is different in the way they process caffeine and other nutrients, this post may speak to you.

Green teas offer some nice features with varying caffeine levels that are generally lower than coffee or black tea which can leave you feeling calm, alert, and smooth flowing for hours.  Many green tea varieties available contain about 15 milligrams to 45 milligrams of caffeine per 8 ounces.  The longer your bag steeps the more caffeine your beverage will likely contain.  Experiment until you find the right amount for yourself.  Another component of tea is called L-theanine, an amino acid derivative, which may provide some anti-stress benefits.^1,2  Some research supports additional benefits of green tea that may include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, blood pressure lowering, and cholesterol lowering effects.^1,2,3,4  

A small change may make a BIG difference in how you feel!  That change may be difficult to begin with, but over time will become a happy habit that you look forward to!  Pick out your favorite morning mug, and have a smooth flowing, peaceful, and calm day!   

As with any diet change it is always best to consult your doctor beforehand, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are on medications.  

Notes:

1 Baba Y, Inagaki S, Nakagawa S, Kaneko T, Kobayashi M, Takihara T. Effects of l-Theanine on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Subjects: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study. J Med Food. 2021;24(4):333-341. doi:10.1089/jmf.2020.4803

2 Kimura K, Ozeki M, Juneja LR, Ohira H. L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses. Biol Psychol. 2007;74(1):39-45. doi:10.1016/j.biopsycho.2006.06.006

3 Tipoe GL, Leung TM, Hung MW, Fung ML. Green tea polyphenols as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent for cardiovascular protection. Cardiovasc Hematol Disord Drug Targets. 2007 Jun;7(2):135-44. doi: 10.2174/187152907780830905. PMID: 17584048.

4 Green Tea. National Institutes of Health. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/green-tea.  Accessed January 18, 2021.