Tea is the subject of many misconceptions and sparks curiosity! Benefits, virtues, contraindications—how do we separate fact from fiction? Today, discover 5 common misconceptions about tea in this article! If this topic interests you, be sure to read our article on green tea and its benefits!
1. Tea does not contain caffeine
FAKE ! Tea contains theine, which is a form of caffeine. Like coffee, tea is a stimulant of the nervous system and can therefore cause mild jitters. However, tea contains less caffeine than coffee and releases caffeine/theine more slowly into the body. Therefore, it's preferable to drink herbal tea if you don't tolerate the stimulant effects of caffeine. In the evening before bed, avoid tea, as it could make it difficult to fall asleep. Of course, everyone is different, so listen to your body!
2. Tea helps you lose weight
TRUE and FALSE! Tea itself doesn't make you lose weight, but it is a particularly suitable beverage for those on a slimming diet. Indeed, being very low in calories (without added milk, sugar, honey, or maple syrup), it's an ideal, comforting drink, perfect for curbing a small craving for a snack. Furthermore, the caffeine in tea stimulates the body and the nervous system, and can thus help reduce appetite and dissolve fat thanks to its lipolytic effect. So, there's no need to drink 10 cups of tea a day… Tea is meant to be savored! Enjoy!
3. Green tea has better health benefits than black tea
TRUE ! During the preparation of green tea, the enzyme responsible for oxidation is neutralized. As a result, green tea retains a greater proportion of antioxidants than black tea. Indeed, the long shelf life and subtle flavor of black tea are largely due to its complete oxidation! However, beyond this aspect, black tea is just as delicious as green tea; it's simply a matter of taste. ☺
4. Tea is a stress reliever
TRUE ! We saw earlier that tea contains theine, and is therefore a stimulant! So can it be both stimulating and stress-relieving? The answer is yes! An amino acid present in tea called "theanine" can combat anxiety and provide a real sense of well-being! Shall we try it?
5. Dark tea is stronger
FAKE ! The color of tea is not indicative of its strength (in caffeine and flavor); a black tea can be milder than a green tea. What matters is the steeping time. The longer a tea is steeped, the more astringent it will become. And you, what were your preconceived notions about tea?
