Tea Blog

This time of year, everyone is at risk of being stressed out. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a relaxing, healthy and natural solution that could calm, sooth and center us? Well, friend, make yourself a cup of tea: we have some great news for you!

L-theanine is a naturally occuring amino acid found exclusively in tea. Several studies at Oxford University and elsewhere demonstrate a significant link between improved mental alertness and enjoying 2-3 cups of tea a day. Not only does tea increase mental sharpness, but it is being proven to uplift mood and create a state of relaxed alertness. So, what makes tea so special?

L-theanine appears to be one major reason for the calming, yet uplifting, effects of tea. It has been shown in early studies that 50mg L-theanine naturally stimulates alpha-waves in the brain. This are the same activity in the brain that is enhanced through meditation!

Gail Owen, a bio psychologist and Lead Scientist at the Beverages Global Technology Centre in the United Kingdom says, “Research is showing that the alertness felt by drinking tea throughout the day has always been attributed to the existence of caffeine. We now believe that there is another component in tea which is responsible for the unique effect that people feel from tea and that is L-theanine.”

Two to three cups a day will provide about 50-60mg of L-theanine, safely and naturally. With a relaxed yet alert state of mind, a desirable state for thinking and operating is created. No wonder tea is the most popular beverage on the planet!

What tea will you drink today to celebrate this important information? We’re sipping on Zhi’s Pink Grapefruit Sencha. Happy Holidays to you!

With Love from Zhi Tea

pause…reflect…connect

More than two-thirds of the adult population in the United States is overweight or obese. Because weight is a risk factor for diabetes, the US Department of Agriculture is spending significant time and money studying soaring incident rates. Can tea help address the serious health concerns of weight management and diabetes?

In 2007, the USDA shared preliminary findings that showed tea to reduce risk of type 2 diabetes. This year, researchers in London completed another study that shows similar claims. Specifically, their research cites that 4 cups or more of tea a day lowers one’s risk of diabetes by 20%. Read more about the details of the study here.

Interestingly, 3 cups or fewer a day did not lower a subject’s risk of diabetes. Our take? Don’t stop at 3 cups! As we have yet to find a study documenting harmful effects of tea consumption, we will continue to imbibe with enthusiasm.

Note: Consumers worldwide are being offered a plethora of ready-to-drink “teas” that market their ability to reduce weight. While Zhi has seen our share of success stories, we can’t claim that tea is a magic bullet. We suggest realistic expectations when confronted with such “tea-washing.” We also look forward to more studies on this important finding.