Tea is a beverage enjoyed across cultures for centuries. It not only refreshes or calms the mind but also brings people together. The versatility, flavours, and health benefits make tea an essential for daily life. From boosting energy in the morning to inducing sleep in the evening, various kinds of tea offer unique benefits. The type of tea we consume can significantly impact how we feel, focus, and unwind.
This blog explores the subtle differences between morning and evening teas. You will also discover which tea is best suited for the different needs of the day. Understanding these things will help elevate your tea experience while harnessing the full potential of this beverage. So, let’s dive into the world of tea and unlock the secret of the perfect cup at the right time.
The Morning Tea to Energise Your Day
The morning hours are often associated with productivity, energy, and a sense of renewal. After a long night’s sleep, the body needs hydration, nourishment, and a mental boost. Tea is considered a vital component for providing hydration and various other benefits.
So, let’s check out some types of tea that give an energising start to your day.
1. Black Tea
Black Tea, such as Assam, Darjeeling, or Earl Grey, contains a moderate amount of caffeine. This can provide the necessary boost without the jitteriness linked to coffee. The caffeine content in black tea is around 40-70 mg per cup. It is ideal for a smooth and sustained release of energy throughout the day. Also, after breakfast, drinking black tea helps hydrate the body, dilutes blood, and aids digestion. Additionally, it improves alertness, enhances focus, and provides antioxidants for a healthy start.
2. Green Tea
Green tea contains slightly less caffeine, around 30-50 mg. This makes it a gentler option for those with caffeine sensitivity. Its antioxidant properties support metabolism and aid fat burning. Green tea contains L-theanine, which promotes calmness, focus, and mental clarity. It is also known to reduce mental anxiety. Consuming green tea in the morning with some food also reduces stomach irritation. It also contributes to your daily fluid intake, keeping you hydrated. Thus, it’s a healthy alternative to sugary drinks and coffee.
3. Matcha
Matcha tea is a powdered form of green tea. It is a popular choice amongst individuals seeking a more intense booster. The L-theanine content in the tea offers a slow-releasing yet long-lasting energy. This also helps to balance the stimulating effects of caffeine. The matcha tea is known to boost alpha brain waves, aiding calmness and an alert mental state. It is also rich in catechins that offer stronger antioxidant protection than regular green tea. Despite the caffeine, matcha is hydrating, which makes it a cleaner start to the day.
4. Herbal Tea
For individuals preferring a caffeine-free option, herbal tea can be the saviour. It provides a refreshing start to the day while rehydrating the body. Many herbal teas help to aid digestion and relieve morning bloating or discomfort. It helps detoxify the liver and kidneys. The anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds reduce inflammation, support immune function, and promote cellular health. Herbal tea is also known to promote a sense of calmness, which is essential to start the day.
5. White Tea
White tea is the least processed of all teas. It is another excellent choice for morning hydration. With a light taste, mild caffeine content, and packed with antioxidants, it’s a great option for a gentle energy lift. It is rich in polyphenols that help reduce inflammation, fight oxidative stress, and support long-term health and immunity. The catechins in the white tea may help boost fat burning and support metabolism. This aromatic tea can be had along with a healthy breakfast.
6. Yerba Mate
Yerba mate is a South American beverage, a robust alternative to coffee. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and caffeine, it has a reputation for boosting mental alertness and physical energy. It provides a smooth and sustained energy without the jittery crash. It also has polyphenols and saponins that reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress. It is also said to have more antioxidants than green tea, making it a powerful immune booster. Some reports also suggest that it gives a sharper mental state than coffee. Thus, it’s great for work or study in the morning.
7. Oolong Tea
Oolong tea is a Chinese tea known for its balanced properties of black and green tea. It gives a moderate boost of caffeine but maintains mental clarity., The caffeine and L-theanine combination in this tea promotes focus, calmness, and reduces anxiety. Additionally, helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress while protecting against chronic disease. Besides these, it also enhances fat oxidation and insulin sensitivity. Thus, this Chinese brew is great for morning work, studying, or creative tasks.
The Evening Tea for A Relaxing Night’s Sleep
As the day winds up, our bodies begin to get into resting mode. Evening tea can help in preparing your mind and body for relaxation and sleep. The tea that you consume in the evening must be beneficial for relaxation.
1. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a herbal infusion made from dried flowers of the chamomile plant. With sedative effects, it is one of the favourite options for evening tea. It is known to induce relaxation, minimize stress, and help prepare the body for sleep. The chamomile tea contains a component that helps reduce insomnia, improve sleep quality, and shorten the time to fall asleep. Therefore, it is an ideal night brew for sound sleep.
2. Lavender Tea
Lavender is a herb well-known for its soothing effects. This tea is made from dried lavender flowers and contains mild sedative properties. It enhances the quality of sleep and lessens insomnia. It has natural components that calm the nervous system and prepare the body for rest. Drinking this brew before bed can help you fall asleep faster. The calming scent of lavender also helps relieve tension headaches and stress-induced migraines.
3. Ginger Tea
Having ginger tea in the evening helps digestion, relaxation, and immune support. The soothing and warm effect of this tea relaxes both mind and body. Additionally, ginger also carries antibacterial and antiviral properties that help to protect against cold and cough. It also works wonders during the flu.
4. Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea is made from a South African native plant. This tea contains no caffeine, making it a perfect drink for nighttime. Rooibos contains compounds that help lower cholesterol. It can also soothe digestive system discomfort, like bloating or gas. It is also high in flavonoids that help fight oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and support metabolic health.
5. Valerian Root Tea
Valerian root tea has been used for centuries to aid sleep naturally. This root increases the level of a certain compound in the brain that has sedative effects. It acts as a natural anti-anxiety agent, easing mild tension, racing thoughts, and restlessness. Hence, it is often used as a natural substitute for sleeping pills. You can consume it half an hour before your bedtime to get its benefits.
6. Passion Flower Tea
Passion flower is another herb renowned for its tranquillizing effects. Used mostly in American and European cultures, this tea is a soothing and effective herbal remedy. It is recognized for its ability to calm the mind, ease anxiety, and enhance sleep quality. Acting as a mild sedative, passion flower tea helps to ease physical tension and restlessness. Thus, incorporating this tea in your evening relaxation ritual will help overall relaxation and restful sleep.
Final Thoughts
Tea is far more than just a beverage. It is a comforting drink that can support your energy, focus, and sleep. Both morning and evening teas serve different purposes, understanding which allows you to make your choice of tea. In the morning, you need tea that provides a gentle kick of caffeine, while evening time, you need caffeine-free and calming brews. Thus, choosing the right tea for the right time can help you support your health.