Have you ever noticed how you are effected differently after dinking tea compared to coffee? There is actually a very good reason for the difference. When you drink tea theanine (found exclusiverly in the tea plant) is absorbed by the small intestine and crosses the blood brain barrier, where it affects neurotransmitters and increases alpha brain wave activity. This alpha brain rhythm is known to induce a calmer but alert state of mind.
Studies have been done at City College of New York to test the effect that tea has on the brain by using a MRI machine to map teas affect on the brain. The tests showed that after having theanine, individuals showed significant improvements in tests for attention and activity in cortical regions responsible for attention functions.
I don’t know about you but I don’t need a reason to enjoy a great cup of tea but isn’t it nice to know that something that you love to drink is also so good for you. Who can’t stand to be more alert and calm at the same time!
