Believe it or not, solving life’s challenges and troubles over a cup of tea is far more than an old wife’s tale. Now, there is scientific evidence that this centuries old brew can not only calm you but also help you think more clearly. In fact, your daily cuppa may even keep you mentally young.
Managing daily stress to a “tea”
Popular for centuries, tea offers the best of both world’s when it comes to managing the stresses of everyday life – it boosts mental alertness while simultaneously creating a sense of calm.
International tea brand, Dilmah, which recently poured its Exquisitely Flavoured Tea range into the South African market, offering eight delicious new infusions that combine the finest, single-region Ceylon black tea with real fruits, herbs, and spices, is punting the health benefits of this modern-day version of an age-old staple.
The not-so-secret compounds are L-theanine and caffeine which are naturally found in tea (particularly green and black tea). When consumed together, these compounds are believed to have a synergistic effect – enhancing mental alertness, focus and cognitive performance whilst reducing anxiety.
Forget the much-maligned jittery side effects associated with caffeine alone. A combination of L-theanine and caffeine offers a multitude of health benefits, which include improved cognitive performance, increased focused and sustained energy, enhanced mood and enhanced mental fatigue – all without the anxiety or restlessness often associated with caffeine.
Studies have shown that the combination of L-theanine and caffeine can significantly improve attention, reaction time, and working memory. One landmark study published in the journal Biological Psychology (2008) by Haskell et al. found that participants who consumed both caffeine and L-theanine performed better on cognitively demanding tasks than those who consumed just caffeine or a placebo.
A study in Nutritional Neuroscience (2008) by Owen et al. concluded that theanine helps moderate the overstimulation caused by caffeine, promoting a state of “alert calmness.” This is particularly beneficial for individuals who are sensitive to caffeine.
Caffeine provides a rapid boost in energy and alertness, but it can lead to a crash or increased heart rate. L-theanine counterbalances this by increasing alpha brain wave activity — associated with a relaxed yet alert mental state — and promoting the release of calming neurotransmitters such as GABA and dopamine. This creates a more sustained and stable energy experience. In short, it all balances out.
The combination has also been associated with improved mood and reduced mental fatigue, especially during prolonged periods of concentration or stress. Research published in the journal Appetite (2010) by Giesbrecht et al. found that the L-theaninecaffeine duo helped participants stay mentally alert and less tired after extended cognitive challenges.
For tea drinkers, this means that a cup of tea is more than a comforting ritual — it’s a natural cognitive enhancer with gentle, mood-stabilising benefits.
Stirring up debate about old age
Research by Dilmah Tea takes this a step further, suggesting that regular intake of tea can slow down age-related cognitive decline. In addition to simply improving focus and mood, the combination of L-theanine and caffeine, has shown promising potential when it comes to reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s.
Research suggests that both L-theanine and caffeine have neuroprotective properties that could keep your brain younger for longer.
A 2011 study found that L-theanine, when consumed regularly, may help prevent memory impairment by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain — two key contributors to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Meanwhile, caffeine has long been associated with a reduced risk of cognitive decline. A longitudinal study in The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease (2010) reported that older adults who consumed moderate amounts of caffeine had a significantly lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s. This is thought to be due to caffeine’s ability to reduce the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques — a hallmark of Alzheimer’s.
When combined, L-theanine and caffeine appear to work together once again to complement each other’s neuroprotective benefits. L-theanine not only counteracts caffeine’s potential overstimulation but also supports the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin which are crucial for maintaining healthy brain function.
Regular tea consumption – particularly green and black tea rich in both compounds – has been to better cognitive performance in older adults and a lower risk of age-related cognitive decline linked in observational studies. A 2017 study from the National University of Singapore found that daily tea drinkers had a 50% lower risk of cognitive decline, with even greater protection in individuals genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s.
In conclusion, the perfect partnership of L-theanine and caffeine in tea doesn’t just offer immediate mental clarity and calm—it may also explain why senior citizens who regularly enjoy their tea remain mentally well. By reducing oxidative stress, supporting neurotransmitter balance, and potentially inhibiting beta-amyloid accumulation, this natural duo holds great promise in protecting against Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative conditions.
For health-conscious consumers, enjoying tea regularly may be a simple and enjoyable way to support cognitive vitality throughout life whilst taking time out to resolve those unexpected daily stresses along the way.
Dilmah Tea’s new range of infused tea is available at Pick n Pay. Each 20-bag box retails at just R39.99.
For more information, visit www.dilmahtea.co.za