How a Simple cup of Tea Could Be the Key to Better Mental health
In a world where stress and anxiety are increasingly prevalent, a surprising ally might be sitting right in your kitchen cupboard: a humble cup of tea. According to recent research, the nation’s favorite hot drink could play a significant role in improving mental well-being.
The mental health charity Mind estimates that 6% of Brits struggle with generalised anxiety in any given week, while an earlier UK study found that three-quarters of people felt so stressed they were overwhelmed or unable to cope. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for accessible strategies to support mental health.
Enter tea. A new real-world research survey conducted by the Tea Advisory Panel (TAP) reveals that over half (52%) of Brits drink tea because it helps them relax. Dr.Carrie Ruxton, a dietitian and TAP member, explains, “The TAP real-world research survey data tally with a review study – Tea and Herbal Infusions, Psychological Stress, Anxiety & Sleep Health: A Systematic Review of Human Trials & Mechanistic Studies – which showed crucial mental health benefits of the nation’s favourite hot drink.”
The Mental Health Benefits of Tea
The review,which analysed 33 studies,including eight clinical trials,found that several types of tea – including regular black tea – can improve stress management and sleep. But the benefits don’t stop there.
When asked how tea made them feel,Brits reported a range of mental health-related benefits:
- 55% said it gave them comfort.
- 30% felt calmer.
- 29% experienced a mood boost.
“Nobody is suggesting that a regular cuppa tea can solve all of the nation’s mental health woes, but there’s good evidence that it can go a long way towards easing the symptoms associated with stress and anxiety,” Dr. Ruxton adds.
The Sweet spot: Four Cups a Day
While almost all Brits (98%) drink at least one cup of tea daily, onyl about a third (37%) consume three to four cups. According to Dr. ruxton, “Four cups a day is the sweet spot for gaining the health benefits associated with your brew, so there’s definitely room for improvement.”
The mental health benefits of tea extend beyond its physiological effects. Over a third (37%) of TAP survey respondents said tea provided an opportunity to take a break, while 36% enjoyed the ‘pick me up’ it offered. Additionally,55% found comfort in their cuppa,and 42% said it helped them see the bright side of things.
A Cultural and Scientific Comfort
Tea’s benefits are deeply rooted in both culture and science. “the benefits of tea are part cultural and part science,” Dr. Ruxton notes. “Tea goes back a long way in our national psyche, and we associate it with home, family, relaxing, and being cosy. But there is also hard evidence linked to special bioactives found naturally in tea.”
Key Takeaways: tea and Mental Health
| Benefit | Percentage of Brits |
|—————————|————————–|
| Provides comfort | 55% |
| Helps relaxation | 52% |
| Makes people feel calmer | 30% |
| Boosts mood | 29% |
| Encourages taking a break | 37% |
A Call to Action
With stress levels soaring, it’s time to embrace the simple yet powerful ritual of tea drinking. Whether it’s the comfort of a warm cup, the chance to pause, or the mood-boosting properties, tea offers a natural way to support mental well-being. So, why not put the kettle on and take a moment for yourself?
As dr.Ruxton puts it, “What could be simpler than upping your intake of something you love to consume anyway? A nice cup of regular black tea.”
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Image credit: Northern Life Magazine
The Science Behind Tea: A Natural Remedy for Stress and Mental Well-being
For generations, tea has been a comforting companion for Brits, offering solace during tough times. But beyond its cultural importance, science is now revealing the profound mental health benefits of this humble brew. From reducing stress hormones to improving mood,tea is more than just a warm drink—it’s a natural remedy for modern life’s pressures.
The Aroma of Calm: Tea’s Stress-Relieving Properties
Research has shown that tea’s benefits extend beyond sipping. Dr Carrie Ruxton highlights a study from Japan, where simply inhaling the aroma of black tea lowered stress levels in volunteers completing mental maths tests. “Additionally, the aroma of darjeeling tea, in particular, was shown to boost mood in advance of completing a stressful task,” she explains.
A UK study further supports tea’s stress-reducing effects. Participants who drank tea regularly for six weeks had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol compared to those given a solution with equivalent levels of flavanols,a type of polyphenol found in tea.
The Calm-Inducing Compounds in Your Cuppa
Tea’s mental health benefits are attributed to specific compounds that promote relaxation. Dr Ruxton points to GABA, a naturally occurring amino acid that acts as a neurotransmitter. “GABA is known to regulate stress and sleep,so there is every reason to believe that teas which contain GABA will help to ease stress and improve sleep,” she says.
Another key compound is L-theanine, an amino acid found in black tea. “L-theanine has been shown to regulate sleep disorders via the GABA receptors and the neurotransmitter system,which relays messages between the brain and body,” Dr Ruxton explains. However,awareness of L-theanine’s benefits remains low,with only 13% of respondents in the TAP survey linking it to brain health.
Tea and Menopause: A Missed Opportunity
The TAP survey also highlighted a group particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges: women in midlife experiencing menopause. “Women in their midlife may live with mental health issues as a symptom of menopause. But unluckily, three in five (59%) didn’t think having a cup of tea could help with menopause symptoms,” Dr Ruxton comments. This oversight represents a missed opportunity to provide simple, accessible support during a challenging phase of life.
A Past Viewpoint on Tea’s Benefits
Tea’s well-being benefits are not a modern discovery. William Gladstone, one of Britain’s longest-serving Prime Ministers, once poetically captured its virtues: “If you are cold, tea will warm you; if you are too heated, it will cool you; If you are depressed, it will cheer you; If you are excited, it will calm you.”
A Tried and Tested Remedy for Modern Stress
Dr Ruxton concludes, “Tea has been supporting Brits through tough times for generations. There’s no denying that the nation is presently climbing a mountain of stress and its resulting mental well-being issues. While anyone experiencing mental health symptoms is always advised to speak to their doctor as soon as possible, taking a break and relaxing with a cuppa is a tried and tested way to help ease the pressure of modern life – even if just for 10 minutes.”
| Key Benefits of Tea | Supporting Evidence |
|————————–|————————-|
| Reduces stress hormones | UK study shows lower cortisol levels after six weeks of regular tea consumption |
| Boosts mood | Japanese study highlights the mood-enhancing effects of Darjeeling tea aroma |
| Improves sleep | GABA and L-theanine in tea regulate stress and sleep disorders |
| Supports menopause symptoms | TAP survey highlights tea’s potential to aid midlife women |
Tea is more than a beverage—it’s a scientifically backed ally in the fight against stress and mental health challenges. So, the next time life feels overwhelming, take a moment to brew a cuppa and let its calming properties work their magic.NorthernLife March/April/May 25
Headline: Steeped in Science: Dr.Carrie Ruxton on Brewing Better Mental Health with Tea
Introduction:
In today’s fast-paced world, stress and mental health concerns are unluckily commonplace. But what if a simple, everyday habit could help alleviate these feelings? Dr. Carrie Ruxton,a renowned dietitian and member of the Tea Advisory Panel,joins us today to discuss her expertise on the mental health benefits of tea. Let’s dive in and explore how a humble cup of tea could indeed be the key to better mental health.
1. Tea’s Stress-Busting Powers
Senior editor (SE): Dr. Ruxton,our research suggests that tea may help reduce stress hormones. Tell us more about this.
Dr. Carrie Ruxton (CR): absolutely. A UK study found that regular tea consumption over six weeks lowered cortisol levels, our body’s primary stress hormone.This suggests that tea could help manage stress levels over time.
SE: Engaging! We also read about tea aroma’s stress-relieving properties. Can you share more?
CR: Certainly! A study from Japan showed that simply inhaling black tea aroma helped participants manage stress better while performing mental arithmetic tasks. Moreover, Darjeeling tea aroma has been linked to improved mood before stress tasks.
2. Tea’s Mood-Boosting Effects
SE: Besides stress relief, tea seems to enhance mood too. How does this work?
CR: Tea contains components like L-theanine and GABA, which can influence neurotransmitters in our brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, to create a calming yet focused affect. A Japanese study highlighted the mood-enhancing effects of Darjeeling tea aroma, supporting this idea.
SE: That’s interesting. Have these effects been proven in clinical trials?
CR: Yes, a systematic review analyzing 33 studies, including eight clinical trials, found that various tea types, including regular black tea, can improve stress management and sleep calendar.decouponsite
3. tea and Menopause Support
SE: We’ve heard claims that tea might also support women through menopause. Is there truth to this?
CR: Indeed, our real-world research survey showed tea’s potential to aid midlife women. Responses indicated that tea provided comfort and helped them see the shining side of things, suggesting it might support mental well-being during menopause.
SE: That’s encouraging to hear. What’s the recommended tea intake for these mental health benefits?
4. The Goldilocks Zone: Four Cups a Day
CR: On average, Brits drink about three to four cups daily. But research suggests four cups a day is the sweet spot for gaining tea’s health benefits. So, there’s definitely room for some of us to top up our brews!
SE: Lastly, Dr. Ruxton, why do you think tea works so well for mental health?
5. The Cultural and Scientific Convergence
CR: Tea has deep roots in our national psyche, associated with comfort, family, and relaxation. But it’s not just cultural; there’s also hard science behind it. Tea’s bioactives, like L-theanine, have proven effects on brain function and mental well-being.
SE: Dr. Ruxton, thank you for sharing your insights with our readers. it’s truly inspiring to learn that somthing as simple and comforting as a cup of tea can play such a pivotal role in supporting our mental health.
CR: My pleasure.Here’s to many more moments of calm, one cup at a time!
