Sometimes it’s the feeling that food or drinks induce, not their nutrients, that helps reduce stress. Drinking a warm cup of tea is one way to help make yourself feel calmer, says Sandra Meyerowitz, MPH, RD, an online nutrition coach and owner of Nutrition Works in Louisville, Kentucky.
Past research has suggested that holding and sipping a warm beverage increases feelings of interpersonal “warmth” and friendliness. There’s a soothing effect of sipping a warm drink, regardless of the flavor — but certain herbs, like lavender and chamomile, have been shown to have a relaxing effect on their own, Meyerowitz says.
Figueroa agrees herbal tea is great for winding down but says green tea is perfectly fine when you need a small jolt of caffeine because it’s full of flavonoids, which studies show support brain health. They can help protect neurons against injury induced by neurotoxins, suppress neuroinflammation, and promote memory, learning, and cognitive function, according to previous research.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a cup of brewed green tea contains between 25 and 29 milligrams (mg) of caffeine versus black brewed coffee’s 95 to 165 mg per cup. Therefore, green tea can also be a preferable choice compared with coffee if you’re looking to chill out.
Flavonoids are a class of good-for-you plants and fungi also found in dark chocolate, citrus fruits, and wine. Despite green tea’s green light, Figueroa says to cut the caffeine in the afternoon to increase your chances of a good night’s rest.
Source: Thepressradio.com|Ogyem|2023
