The Mind Body Benefits of Drinking Tea

Tea comes in many varieties and all of them have benefits for your well-being

A soothing cup of tea can be just the thing to help you perk up and fight off disease. Zadorozhnyi Viktor/Shutterstock

I’m a very vocal proponent of drinking tea daily. People ask me all the time why tea is my go-to and not coffee: well, let’s be clear. I drink coffee, too, but tea has so many mind-body wellness benefits to it that there’s no debating its advantages for well-being. Let’s take a look.

Theanine and Neurotransmitter Regulation

Tea—white, green, matcha, and black—all comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. Let’s start our conversation on tea by talking about its compound theanine, also known as L-theanine. The body doesn’t make theanine on its own, and it has a whole host of benefits.

First, theanine affects neurotransmitter production and has been linked to increase dopamine and serotonin and even regulating cortisol levels. Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone, so better regulation means less stress. Dopamine and serotonin boost mood and promote better relaxation. Theanine is also connected to better focus and cognitive function, improved sleep, and even weight loss (probably because of its cortisol-reducing benefits).

Caffeine or No Caffeine—Your Choice

Tea comes in many forms, and all of them have different levels of caffeine. White tea contains approximately 15–30 mg per 8-ounce serving. Green teas contain a moderate amount at 35–45 mg per 8-ounce serving, and black teas have the most caffeine per serving, ranging from 40–70 mg per 8-ounce serving. If you like the energy-boosting benefits of caffeine but are sensitive to too much, picking your tea type based on caffeine levels can give you the boost you need, without giving you anxiety issues. Combined with the relaxing benefits of theanine, you’re apt to get a boost of energy, but still feel calm focused and not jittery, unlike a strong cup of black coffee.