Starting the day with a delicious energy tea can be the salvation of those who need a little extra strength to wake up. Especially for those people who do not like or cannot consume coffee.
The most common option is black tea, but did you know that herbs such as mate and even bay leaf can be used for this purpose? And that’s because in addition to caffeine , they have other substances that increase energy levels.
But just like any other tea, these infusions have other health benefits. To find out more, check out the list below with the four best energy teas!
Table of Contents
Energetic Tea Recipes
Black tea
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of filtered water
- 1 teaspoon of black tea.
Preparation method:
Boil the water and add the herb. Cover the container and wait 5 minutes, then strain and drink the tea still warm. But, you can also serve it as an iced tea.
Benefits
Each cup of black tea contains an average of 40 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, which is why, after coffee, it is the most common source of this substance.
The drink provides more energy in a short time, since caffeine is quickly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract, showing its effect between 30 minutes and 2 hours after consumption.
Because it contains this substance, this tea stimulates the nervous system and makes you smarter. Also for this reason, it is able to provide a greater focus for daily activities, increasing their attention.
The caffeine in this drink also stimulates fat burning and promotes weight loss . In addition, it is useful in controlling blood glucose levels, serving as an aid to diabetic patients. Finally, it protects the body against various diseases, even some types of cancer, because of the antioxidant action that eliminates free radicals.
Another interesting detail of this tea is that it is also rich in a substance called thiamine (vitamin B1), each cup contains an average of 20 mg. When ingested, B1 stimulates brain function and protects the organ. Thus, it helps in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases .
Ginseng
Ingredients:
- 2 grams of ginseng
- 1 cup of water.
Preparation method:
Bring the water to the fire and when it starts to bubble, add the ginseng, cover and cook for 15 minutes. Then strain and, without sweetening, drink so as not to lose its properties.
Drink Effects
According to an Italian study published in the Phytotherapy magazine, ginseng has adaptogenic properties. This means that it makes the body adapt to energy expenditure needs, increasing endurance.
The results are more energy to start the day, more attention, and greater vitality and stamina. Furthermore, the study indicates that this root is also a great memory stimulant and a natural aphrodisiac .
Among the other benefits of this tea are lowering glucose, strengthening the immune system and protecting against harmful viruses and bacteria.
Moderate consumption of ginseng also improves heart function and prevents cardiovascular and degenerative diseases. All this thanks to the antioxidant action, protecting cells against the oxidative effect caused by free radicals.
To top it off, this tea also reduces tiredness and stress . So, just drink a cup of the infusion a day to make you less susceptible to fatigue from daily activities.
Yerba mate Tea
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of yerba mate
- 1 cup of filtered water.
Preparation method:
To prepare this infusion, just add the yerba mate to hot water and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then strain and drink while still hot, or wait for it to cool and add ice.
Benefits of tea
Approximately 2% of yerba mate is caffeine, so tea made from the leaves of this plant is a great start to the day.
In addition, the drink has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects . Therefore, it prevents the action of harmful microorganisms, and relieves inflammation and pain .
Another positive point is for those who want to lose weight, as the herb has two thermogenic ingredients. The first is the well-known caffeine, which stimulates and increases energy expenditure.
The second is called chlorogenic acid, which is responsible for helping to lower blood sugar . The result of this is a body that burns more fat, using it as a kind of energy reserve.
Finally, tea is a powerful antioxidant and helps reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and some types of cancer.
Bay tea
Ingredients:
- 5 dry bay leaves
- 1 cup of water.
Preparation method:
Bring the water to the fire until it starts to boil. Then add the bay leaves and cook for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, let it sit for another 10 minutes. Finally, just strain, sweeten to taste and drink while still hot.
Positive effects
According to a study by researchers at Kyushu University in Japan, this infusion increases attention , especially visual. This is because the herb stimulates a part of the brain responsible for alertness. For this reason, it is an ideal tea to drink before going to work or studying.
Other benefits of the infusion are: protect the nervous system, prevent and treat infections and inflammation, and also promote muscle pain relief. In addition, it helps protect the stomach and strengthen the immune system.
How to take and care
The ideal is to have any type of energy tea in the morning or right after lunch . During the night, consumption can cause insomnia in people who are more sensitive to caffeine.
Also, it is necessary to avoid taking more than two cups of infusions a day. That’s because the excess of energetic substances can cause tachycardia, being especially dangerous for people who suffer from cardiovascular problems, anxiety, insomnia and gastric irritation.
In pregnant women, too much caffeine, for example, can cause premature birth and poor weight gain for the child. Therefore, always seek medical advice before using these infusions.
My name is Ellie Lauderdale, MD and I am USA based professional Nutritionist .
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and board certified specialist in sports dietetics who is trained in integrative medicine. I have worked with hundreds of clients, from those suffering with chronic disease to professional and olympian athletes. My goal is to help optimize you from the inside so that you can feel, perform, and look your best on the outside.