Is black tea an excitant or not?
Although theine and caffeine are indeed the same molecule, their concentration is not at all the same. Caffeine is far more present, and therefore more powerful, in coffee, which is considered an excitant. There is three to four times more caffeine in a cup of coffee than theine in a cup of tea. Tea therefore has a milder effect, described as stimulating. Note that there are still differences between the various types of tea: black tea is the richest in theine, notably because it releases it more quickly, followed by green tea and white tea, which is reputed to be the lightest.
Does black tea have a stimulating effect or not?
Present in black tea leaves, caffeine is released when it is steeped in hot water. Caffeine is then considered the main active ingredient in tea. In nature, within plants, caffeine acts as a natural insecticide to ward off predators. But in humans, caffeine acts as a stimulant, giving us energy. Without reaching the stimulating effect of coffee, black tea gives you a little boost. Just enough to stay awake and alert. Gradually released into the body over six hours, caffeine may therefore boost concentration and memory.
Can black tea disrupt sleep or not?
The stimulation experienced, the rate at which caffeine is absorbed and tolerance will vary from person to person. While some seek the stimulating and energising effect of black tea because they consider it beneficial, others may instead wish to avoid it. This is the case for people sensitive to caffeine, who may fear having trouble falling asleep and prefer to drink black tea only in the morning. Another group that may seek to reduce their caffeine consumption is pregnant women.
When should you drink black tea during the day?
After a good night's sleep, our bodies have gone several hours without hydration. Drinking water or black tea when you wake up helps rehydrate the “lymphatic system”, which is essential to the proper functioning of the body. It also wakes up our stomach and brain! The most popular breakfast tea is English Breakfast, a Ceylon black tea with a powerful flavour blended with a full-bodied Assam black tea, which Kusmi Tea offers in tea bags or loose leaf, always organic. Black tea (Earl Grey, Darjeeling) is also a tea-time staple in the English style, especially when accompanied by a dash of milk or a sweet treat.
How do you decaffeinate black tea?
Looking for a black tea with no stimulating effect? A black tea to drink in the evening that will not keep you awake? Try our range of decaffeinated black tea.
What are the health benefits of black tea?
Black tea has many health benefits:
Benefit no. 1: black tea is good for digestion
Beyond being a stimulant rather than an excitant, black tea is also reputed to be good for digestion. It may promote drainage and the elimination of toxins.
Benefit no. 2: black tea is rich in antioxidants
Black tea also contains polyphenols, in other words antioxidants. These play an important role in preventing certain diseases. They may help combat premature cell ageing and the action of free radicals.
Benefit no. 3: black tea regulates blood sugar levels
By regulating blood sugar levels, black tea may also have an effect on diabetes and cholesterol.
Benefit no. 4: black tea reduces stress and anxiety
Thanks to the amino acid L-theanine, black tea also acts on stress and anxiety. It therefore has a soothing effect.
How do you choose black tea well?
To choose quality black tea, we recommend opting for organic tea, preferably in loose-leaf form. Practical, eco-friendly and sustainable! The organic label guarantees tea grown and produced without pesticides, with respect for the environment.
What are the alternatives to black tea?
For people who are very sensitive to caffeine, several alternatives are available for every time of day. There is no risk of disrupting your sleep or keeping you awake. Here they are:
Low-caffeine or decaffeinated tea
If black tea is one of your favourite teas but you are sensitive to caffeine, we recommend choosing a caffeine-free or decaffeinated tea. You can then enjoy it in the evening without worrying about sleeping badly.
Rooibos for perfect sleep
A shrub from South Africa, rooibos is a caffeine-free tea that is very low in tannins, making it an ideal drink for late afternoon and evening. There is no risk of negatively affecting your sleep or ability to fall asleep. Rooibos will not stop you from drifting off into the arms of Morpheus.
Herbal infusions and tisanes for a relaxing night
And let us not forget the classics: herbal infusions and tisanes are your friends once night falls. Verbena, lime blossom, lemon balm, lavender and chamomile will accompany your moments of relaxation by promoting calm and soothing. They will help you enjoy restorative sleep!
The best time to drink black tea: our reviews
If we had to recommend a time of day, at Kusmi we love drinking a cup of black tea in the morning! It is a great way to wake up properly and have energy all day long.
Like its green and white tea cousins, black tea has many benefits. It is not considered an excitant but rather a stimulant. Its richness in theine, the same molecule as caffeine, and L-theanine is behind the energised calm so often associated with tea. Does it keep you awake? That depends on your tolerance to caffeine. Everyone is different in this respect. For some, drinking a good cup of black tea before bed poses no problem. For others, they should stop in the afternoon to avoid affecting sleep and falling asleep. Fortunately, several alternatives are available!