5 Best Teas for Energy Without the Crash
Eric Niewinski
Best Tea for Energy Without the Crash
What do you do when you need a quick pick-me-up? You can stick with the usual go-to and grab some coffee.
But who needs those java jitters when you are in the middle of a day that is already crazy? What about a cup of tea instead?
Tea can give you that extra push you need at any time of the day. But which tea will pack the most punch when you really need to power through?
Black teas and some herbal blends are the best picks when you need a gentle nudge to help keep you going.
And tea brings that refreshing vitality without the unpleasant side effects of coffee. No jitters, no tummy troubles, and—best yet—no coffee breath!
Not All Energy Sources Are Created Equally
Yes, tea and coffee both have caffeine.
But, depending on the source, your body has different methods to break down caffeine and put it to use.
And, yes, caffeine will give you a burst of energy. But you want more than just a quick jolt of ambition–you want a lasting energy that will get you through your day.
Let’s talk a bit about coffee first.
Coffee is considerably higher in caffeine than tea.
This combination of caffeine and the way your body metabolizes it means that coffee will give you a quick energy boost.
But this quick-burn caffeine jolt often comes with a racing heart and anxiety that is then followed by a sudden crash.
The caffeine you get from tea, on the other hand, breaks down much more slowly.
This leaves you with a steady stream of energy along with a nice mood boost. You will feel these effects longer, and there is no sudden crash as they wear off.
Caffeine is not the only energy producer that tea brings to the table.
Tea is packed full of minerals and other nutrients that keep you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world.
And because of the way your body metabolizes this nourishing beverage, you’ll notice that you have a clearer head and sharper mental focus without those annoying jitters or their accompanying anxiety.
Black Tea
Black tea is naturally higher in caffeine than other common varieties.
In fact, a cup of black tea has almost twice as much caffeine as the same amount of green tea.
And with the higher antioxidant levels you’ll find in a cup of rich black tea, you’ll soon feel that much-needed and long- lasting stamina you seek.
Black tea isn't bland or boring, either.
There are so many styles and flavors out there for you to enjoy. Here are a few delicious varieties ready to give you that boost you are looking for:
- English Breakfast Tea: People worldwide have been starting their day with a hearty black tea for centuries. What better way to start your day than with this hearty breakfast brew? Delicious alone or with milk and sugar, it's rich in potassium and other nutrients that will help reduce your blood pressure, keep you hydrated, and fuel your body naturally.
- Chocolate Chai Tea: Are you in the mood for a sweet afternoon pick-me-up? Chocolate chai tea is your answer. Black tea, ginger, and cardamom will power you through the rest of your day, while mouthwatering chocolate turns this drink into a rewarding treat.
- Golden Yunnan Black Tea: if you’re in the mood for a classic Chinese blend, Golden Yunnan tea will do the trick. Both rich and delicate, it’s great for any time of day.
- Darjeeling Black Tea: We can’t forget that timeless classic, Darjeeling tea. This comforting, rich brew has everything you need to get your day started or power through a busy afternoon.
Energy Blends
There is more to life than caffeine. And black tea isn’t for everybody. An herbal blend may be just the trick when you want a natural burst of energy.
Ginseng root is an antioxidant-rich herbal supplement that has been used for centuries.
And it is a key ingredient in this flavorful energy tea.
Combined with peppermint and St. John’s Wort, this herbal brew gives you a refreshing jumpstart without the side effects of caffeine.
So, how do these ingredients do it? Let’s talk about some of them.
- Ginseng is a great choice for a healthy dose of energy. As we said earlier, it is high in antioxidants, and those basically keep your cells from being damaged. Ginseng also reduces inflammation which can make you feel sluggish. These two properties alone will make you feel more energized. But ginseng is also used to fight fatigue, and it has been especially helpful for those living with chronic fatigue syndrome or the exhausting effects of chemotherapy.
- John’s Wort is an ancient herb that can be traced as far back as the Greek Empire. It has long been used to fight the symptoms of depression. But powerful herb also increases energy and helps with sleep disorders. So, you get the initial energy boost along with the renewed energy you feel after a good night's sleep.
- Just the scent of peppermint is uplifting. One whiff clears your head, relieves stress, and brightens your mood. Peppermint has a relaxing effect on smooth muscles so blood and oxygen can flow freely and you’ll function better. Peppermint is also known to improve your performance during exercise. And, while it may sound counterintuitive, the more you move, the more energy you tend to feel.
- Licorice isn't just a candy flavor. Its root is a potent herb that helps with digestion, menopausal symptoms, and even fighting bacterial infections. This soothing herb works with your adrenal glands to calm stress hormones. And when your body takes a break from stress, you are left with more energy to knock out a few of those day-to-day tasks you’ve been putting off.
So, the next time that deadline is looming and you need a little shot in the arm, reach for an invigorating cup of tea. Hot or cold, black or herbal, you’ll find the strength and ambition to tackle those chores.