Best Tea for Energy and Focus

We all have those days sometimes...more tired than normal, feeling hungry or stressed. Those days when you don't have the energy to accomplish what you want to get done, or maybe you pushed yourself a little harder in your workout and your reserve tank is empty?

A tired body releases cortisol and adrenaline, which are stress hormones that can make you feel anxious. Downing a double espresso comes to mind, but then you know that will be temporary and you'll just end up as a jittery, anxious person. Before you reach for a cup of java, consider a cup of tea. Read on to find out what is the best tea for energy and focus.

Sometimes we blame hunger on our lack of energy, and it very well could be. But often the feeling of hunger or cravings, in reality, is due to being dehydrated. If you grab a bite and you still feel your energy is lacking, drinking caffeinated tea can hydrate you while also giving you the energy you crave.

The thing about tea is it is just naturally calming. Tea takes care of the stressful side, while it can also boost your energy so you can get back to your tasks at hand. But which are the best energy teas to drink when you need that boost?

Tea that Gives You Energy and Focus

Don't rely on energy drinks filled with who-knows-what and enough caffeine to power a freight train. If you're after a healthy source of energy and focus, turn to these types of tea made with all-natural ingredients.

1. MATCHA TEA:

Made by grinding green tea leaves into powder, Matcha is green tea in its purest form.

For over 800 years, Matcha has been a big part of the Japanese culture and that popularity is now reaching around the globe. With the powerful catechin, known as EGCG, Matcha provides many health benefits such as fat burning and protection from free radicals.

The vibrant green drink provides three times the antioxidants of high-quality green tea leaves (and 137 times more antioxidants than low-grade grocery store tea bags!)

Matcha also provides a caffeine boost without the jitters of coffee. While the caffeine in Matcha is higher than loose leaf green tea, the content is generally lower than what you get in a cup of coffee. Because matcha contains l-theanine, the caffeine is dispersed in a more gentle manner. Matcha also provides your body with amino acids that help balance your mood, relieve stress, and improve focus.

2. ROOIBOS TEA

Also known as Red tea or Red Bush tea, Rooibos is actually not a true tea. Native to South Africa, Rooibos is an herb that when dried brews into a red-colored infusion. It is naturally caffeine-free, but can still provide an uplifted feeling of energy when you need a boost later in the day without interrupting a restful night's sleep.

Rooibos has been providing health benefits for over 300 years, yet many still don't even know what Rooibos tea is.

Grown in mountainous regions of South Africa, the hot dry climate with periods of heavy rainfall creates a sweet flavor that blends well with other ingredients creating infusions that can range from smoky, woody, or grassy to fruity or honey flavors.

3. BLACK TEA

Black tea is so popular, you probably expected to see this one at the top of the list. Black tea has been proven to boost energy and alertness.

Made from the leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant, black tea contains caffeine and powerful catechins that have been shown to increase energy levels for up to six hours, so be careful what time of day you steep a cup of black tea. The caffeine content of black tea can vary based on the amount of loose tea used and length of the steep, but an 8oz cup typically ranges from 30-50mg of caffeine, compared to 91mg in an average 8 oz cup of coffee.

Even though black tea contains caffeine, it also contains L-theanine which provides a feeling of calm. Paired together, caffeine and l-theanine may help increase focus and attention. Unique to black tea are theaflavins which are polyphenols that form during the oxidation process. Theaflavins provide antioxidant properties that offer health benefits such as protecting cells from free radicals, protecting your heart and blood vessels as well as supporting your own natural antioxidant production.

4. YERBA MATE TEA

Yerba Mate originated in South America and has been consumed for hundreds of years. The flavor of Yerba Mate is best described as green tea with a touch of peppermint. Yerba Mate provides a good source of energy, yet has less than half the caffeine content of coffee. Yerba Mate creates an energy boost by increasing metabolism and providing a sense of alertness.

Traditionally enjoyed with a metal straw and gourd, Yerba Mate is packed with health benefits. It also blends well with other ingredients such as in Samurai Spirit Mate, Mocha Hazelnut, or Toasted Mate Spice. Read on if you'd like to learn more about Yerba Mate.

5. GINGER TEA

Ginger has been used as an ayurvedic medicinal aid for hundreds of years. The sweet but spicy taste can be found in many caffeine-free tea blends. Ginger provides anti-inflammatory properties that help decrease tension and increase blood circulation which in turn may help boost energy, focus, and cognition.

Ginger naturally helps improve the secretion of adrenal catecholamines which are compounds in our body that help modulate our consumption of energy. So give a cup of ginger tea a try next time you need a boost to go exercise.

6. TEA WITH LICORICE ROOT

Another healthy, natural energy booster is licorice. Licorice root can be found as an ingredient in many tea blends. By working with your body's system, licorice root increases adrenaline making you feel focused and alert.

Licorice helps preserve your body's natural cortisone. Cortisol is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands to combat stress. Licorice assists these glands, preventing the breakdown of cortisol. This helps the body maintain energy levels and a healthier response to stressful situations.

Plus, unlike coffee, licorice root is often used to ease stomach problems. Even though the caffeine content may be low, licorice root can still provide a boost of energy. However, it is not a quick boost as It can take about 30 minutes before feeling the effects.

Steep, sip, and enjoy a boost, naturally!