There's been a lot of buzz lately about the health benefits of drinking loose leaf tea. We know that tea tastes delicious. But is there truth to the claim that it actually makes you smarter? In this blog post, we will investigate the science behind drinking tea. Oh, and we'll also give you some tips on how to brew the perfect cup of tea!
The science behind loose leaf tea
Tea-drinking has long been linked with intelligence. In ancient China, tea was seen as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. Legend has it that Chinese herbalist and emperor Shennong discovered tea when a leaf from a Camellia sinensis tree fell into his cup of hot water. After tasting the brew, the emperor felt more alert and clearheaded.
Today, science has confirmed what the Chinese emperor discovered all those years ago. Drinking loose leaf tea can actually improve your cognitive function. Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) discovered that tea drinkers had better-organized brain regions, which was linked to good cognitive functioning compared to non-tea drinkers.
So, what is it about loose leaf tea that makes it so special? Tea leaves are packed with antioxidants, which have been shown to promote brain health. Antioxidants are responsible for the amelioration of oxidative stress. In other words, they help to protect your cells and tissues from damage caused by free radicals, which is linked to degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Which tea type is best?
If you want to experience the cognitive benefits of loose leaf tea, black teas are best. This is because black teas contain more of a compound called theanine.
Theanine is an amino acid that has been shown to increase alpha brain waves. Alpha brain waves are associated with relaxation and concentration. In other words, theanine can help you to focus and stay calm at the same time!
Also, black teas contain more caffeine than other tea types which aids in mental alertness. If you are sensitive to caffeine, don't worry! Loose leaf tea has less caffeine than coffee. And let's not forget the health benefits of drinking caffeine-free tea either. This includes improved circulation, lower blood pressure, and a strengthened immune system.
Drinking tea, it's elementary
As mentioned, drinking tea is commonly associated with those in the intellectual class. And none more so than the ever perspicacious investigator of all things crime-related, Sherlock Holmes.
In Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories, Holmes is shown to be quite partial to a cup of tea. Not to get too technical here, but there is ongoing contention amongst expert Sherlockians about whether the popular sleuth was fonder of coffee or tea. Let's just let that debate rage on. What we will say is that if you want to boost your powers of deduction and observation, loose leaf tea is the way to go!
Brewing the perfect cup
Now that we've convinced you to drink loose leaf tea for its cognitive benefits, let's give you some tips on how to brew the perfect cup.
No matter what type of loose leaf tea you choose, it's important to deduce how to brew it properly. The perfect cup of tea starts with high-quality loose leaf tea and fresh, filtered water. Bring the water to a boil and then let it cool for about 30 seconds before pouring it over the tea leaves. This is important because if the water is too hot it will scald the tea leaves and produce a bitter brew.
If you are using loose leaf black tea, steep for about three to five minutes. If you are using loose leaf green tea, herbal tea, or white tea, steep for about two to three minutes. Once the tea has steeped long enough, strain the leaves, and enjoy!
Now that you know how to make loose leaf tea and what benefits it can have on your cognitive function, it's time to get brewing! So put on your deerstalker hat, sit back, relax, and enjoy a cup of loose leaf tea. Who knows, you might just solve your next case! After all, tea drinking is elementary, dear reader.
- The Valhalla Co Team