The Top Teas for Boosting Energy and Focus

If you’re looking for a healthy and natural way to get an energy boost, look no further than tea. While tea has a reputation for being a calming and soothing drink, there are several varieties that can give you the energy and focus you need to power through your day. Here are the top three teas to help you feel alert and energized.

Green Tea

Green tea is a popular choice for health enthusiasts due to its numerous benefits, which range from accelerated weight loss to lower blood pressure. However, green tea is also an excellent choice for an energy boost. Although it doesn’t contain as much caffeine as coffee, green tea provides a unique advantage when it comes to energy and alertness. This tea contains an amino acid called L-theanine that helps to slow the body’s absorption of caffeine. As a result, the caffeine is processed more efficiently, providing a longer-lasting energy boost without the jitters or withdrawal symptoms associated with coffee.

In addition, green tea also contains small amounts of vitamin C that can boost immune health and protect energy levels. So, next time you need a pick-me-up, pour yourself a cup of green tea.

Black Tea

Black tea is another true tea that is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, just like green tea. It is well-known for its health benefits, including lower risk of heart disease, blood sugar regulation, and improved immune system health. Of all the true teas, black tea contains the highest caffeine content.

According to the FDA and USDA, an eight-ounce serving of black tea contains 47 milligrams of caffeine. Some black tea blends may have even higher amounts of caffeine, ranging from 60 to 90 milligrams per serving. However, similar to green tea, black tea also contains a moderate amount of L-theanine that helps to balance out the energy boost. This means you can enjoy the alertness and focus without the jitters.

Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is an herbal tea that is indigenous to South America and has been consumed for centuries by local tribes. It is a staple of social gatherings, and people often drink it in the morning while sharing stories and hunting techniques with one another. Yerba mate is also part of dream interpretations.

In the United States, yerba mate is well-known as an ingredient in energy drinks. It has a smoky flavor with earthy notes, similar to coffee, and a bold flavor and strong aroma. Traditionally, people consume yerba mate using a clay gourd and straw called a bombilla.

Yerba mate contains more caffeine than green tea but less than a cup of coffee. Additionally, it also contains theobromine, a compound that is similar to L-theanine, which increases energy levels without causing jitters. Studies have also shown that yerba mate can boost endurance and exercise performance.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is a popular natural remedy for upset stomachs and the common cold. This tea is made by infusing peppermint leaves in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes. It can be brewed using loose leaf tea or tea bags and offers a sharp, tingling flavor with hints of pine and a refreshing aroma. Peppermint tea is caffeine-free, but it can still give you a boost of energy for mental clarity.

According to a study from Northumbria University, peppermint can also improve mood and memory. Researchers compared a placebo to peppermint tea on a study population of 180 individuals. The participants that drank peppermint tea showed better mood and cognition skills and also demonstrated better long-term memory.

Licorice Root Tea

If you’re a fan of black licorice, you’ll love licorice root tea. This tea is often blended with other herbal teas and caffeinated teas to mellow out the flavor. You can also brew plain licorice tea with a dash of lemon and honey for an energy-boosting tea that works by reducing stress levels and regulating hormones.

Licorice tea contains adaptogens, which are compounds that help modulate hormone production. It stimulates adrenal glands to boost energy and increases blood flow. This increased blood flow boosts blood pressure and energy levels, making it a great tea for those who need a quick pick-me-up.

Ginger Tea

Ginger root tea is a delightfully spicy tea that has been extensively studied for its health benefits. Ginger tea offers anti-inflammatory properties that help decrease tension and inflammation and improve blood flow, which can help boost energy levels.

A study published in Herbal Medicine found that ginger helps increase the secretion of adrenal catecholamines. These compounds help modulate energy consumption, making ginger tea an excellent choice for those looking to improve exercise performance and energy levels on a chemical level. In Chinese medicine, ginger tea is also used to directly target the body’s energy pathways.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is a fragrant and flavorful infusion made by steeping chamomile flowers in boiling water. It has a delicate and soothing taste reminiscent of crisp green apples, and a gentle floral aroma that can help relax your senses.

While chamomile tea may not be the first choice for those seeking an energy boost, it can help improve focus and concentration by reducing stress levels. This calming tea has been found to inhibit the release of serotonin, a hormone associated with stress and anxiety, and promote the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure, motivation, and cognitive function. By easing the burden of stress and anxiety, chamomile tea can help you feel more centered and focused on the tasks at hand, and even give you a mild energy lift without the jitters of caffeine.