Do you also enjoy a cup of green tea so much? That in itself is delicious, of course, but did you know that green tea can also contribute a lot to your energy? One tea is not the other. In this blog, we explain which tea can give you that fine boost in your energy and why these teas are so healthy.
Why does green tea give energy?
Many people prefer green tea to black tea. The taste is a bit milder and creamier and can sometimes even be a bit reminiscent of grass. After drinking a cup of tea, you may find that you feel refreshed, upbeat and active. That’s because it can energize you. The nice thing is that this energy is released slowly, so it can help you get through the day well.
That green tea gives energy is because the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant (the tea plant) contain caffeine. The amount of caffeine the leaves contain depends on the conditions under which the plants grow and how the leaves are harvested and sometimes fermented.
When looking for a tasty tea that energizes, it is important to keep in mind that not all tea is real tea. Herbal teas, such as chamomile, ginger or peppermint, do not contain leaves of the tea plant. They are herbal mixtures. Therefore, they do not contain caffeine.
Substances that give energy
That caffeine gives energy is no secret. It is a stimulant that combats fatigue and improves your mental clarity. In tea, it causes a feeling of calmness, keeping you alert at the same time. This is due to the special combination of substances in tea leaves, which contain not only caffeine but also an amino acid, L-theanine, which has a calming effect on the nervous system.
Because of this combination, a cup of green tea can make you feel that you can concentrate better and have more energy. Many people also find that it has a positive effect on their mood and that they are better able to cope with stress.
There is also another difference between caffeine in tea and that in coffee. The two drinks may look similar and both contain caffeine, yet there is a difference. The high dose of caffeine in coffee acts as a powerful stimulant on your system. You feel it as a spicy jolt of energy. For some people this works pleasantly, but there are also those who it makes them feel uncomfortable and worked up. You may also well end up in a crash later on, after which you feel very tired.
The caffeine in tea works differently because it binds to catechins, which have antioxidant properties. As a result, caffeine molecules become larger, taking longer to break down. So you can enjoy the energy for longer, and on top of that, tea comes with several more health benefits. Did you know that also microdosing can help if you have problems with energy?
Different types of green tea for energy
The amount of light a tea plant receives affects the amount of caffeine it produces. Precisely plants that are in the shade are more caffeine-rich than plants that grow in the sun. These include Gyokuro and Matcha tea, for example.
Matcha Tea
For an intense caffeine boost, you should check out Matcha Tea are. Matcha tea is made from the fine powder of ground green tea leaves. A cup of matcha green tea can contain up to 75mg of caffeine, so that will definitely provide a boost in energy. This tea is also very healthy due to its many antioxidants, it can help you feel calmer and has a positive effect on your mood. In addition, it can also help improve your concentration, it is good the health of your heart and blood vessels and can help manage a healthy weight.
Gyokuro Tea
This green tea is grown in Japan. Gyokuro, which means “precious dew,” is one of the most expensive green teas is, but you can certainly taste and feel that. The taste is slightly sweet and refreshing. The way the tea is grown is similar to regular tea, but there is a difference. Great care is taken, with great attention to detail to get the unique taste of this tea. During the last 20 days before harvest, the plants are covered so that they are shaded. This is very labor intensive and requires very careful work.
Sencha Tea
This is the most popular and well-known green tea from Japan. When you make a cup of this, the liquid takes on a golden-green color with a refreshing aroma. The tea tastes balanced, with not too bitter and a pleasant sweetness. Sencha tea is grown in direct sunlight. It is the green leaves from the first or second harvest that are used. The leaves of the first harvest are of the best quality.
Yerba Maté
A special tea is Yerba Maté. This is not officially a green tea because the leaves do not come from the tea plant, but from the South American Ilex paraguariensis. But this tea may also join the list of green teas that give energy, as the plant is rich in caffeine. Depending on the quality and how you prepare the tea, a cup contains an average of 70mg of caffeine. Yerba maté also contains a large amount of other healthy substances, such as vitamins C, E, B vitamins and theobromine and theophylline.
As you can see, there are many types of green tea to choose from if you would like a little more energy. Enjoying a few cups of tea daily (the recommendation is to drink no more than 3 cups a day) is a great way to give yourself a physical and mental boost in energy. Check out our shop for the offer.
Disclaimer - Health Information and Responsible Use
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. When in doubt, consult a physician.
- Caffeine sensitivity: Excessive intake can cause insomnia, heart palpitations or stomach upset.
- Maximum intake: Adults: max. 400 mg caffeine/day (EFSA). Pregnant/breastfeeding: max. 200 mg/day.
- Not suitable for: Children, youth under 18, pregnant and those with caffeine sensitivity, heart problems or anxiety disorders.
- Medication interaction: May affect blood thinners, blood pressure medication and antidepressants.
- Usage tips: Max. 3 cups per day, avoid before bedtime, careful with sensitive stomach.
When in doubt or with health complaints: consult a physician.