Feeling Stressed ... A Cup Of Tea Could Be The Answer

"Feeling stressed? A cup of tea might help, says science. According to scientists, caffeine has a ‘soothing effect’ and protects against the effects of stress. Put the kettle on, tea is better than coffee and don’t try arguing with us. And it doesn’t need a global empire to prove its worth.

In a time of crisis, nothing makes the world feel that little bit better than a nice hot cuppa – and now science agrees with us.

That’s right: researchers have found that caffeine (in moderation) can protect against the effects of stress.

The report, which was published in the journal 'Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences', found that mice who were placed in stressful situations (you know, such as when the big cheese is chasing you for a report that was due yesterday) quickly became anxious and lost their appetite.

However, when caffeine was added to their drinking water before putting them under pressure, it stopped most of the symptoms.

Now, we’re not suggesting that you knock back an entire pot of builder’s tea before you get into work, but British experts said in the study that an extra cup ‘won’t hurt'.

There's only one thing to do, time to put the kettle on".

Above words taken from article here

https://www.homemadebyyou.co.uk/articles/food-news/feeling-stressed-a-cup-of-tea-might-help-says-science

... Now, not everyone likes reading reports which state 'found that mice' ... but I wonder how many readers when placed in a stressful or upsetting situation have turned to a cup of tea for assistance? Is it a 'British' thing to do - do our American, Australian, South African and many other worldwide friends and readers turn instead to coffee, or something different?

Stress of any sort is not a pleasant experience, so if we can take time out from it, (not always possible) do you find it helps?

All the best Jan

We were always told that it was "sweet, sugary tea" that helped in times of stress weren't we? So it turns out that sugar isn't even helpful here, it was the good old caffeine all along!

Changing the subject slightly, but sticking with caffeine. My son has been asthmatic all his life. As a small toddler he couldn't manage an inhaler; he had a medicine which wasn't that effective.

I found out by accident one day when his asthma was bad that caffeine helped. He took a couple of sips of his dad's coffee and immediately his breathing eased. I told his nurse next time I saw her and she said that caffeine could help in emergencies, but it would be a good idea only to give him coffee when he was really poorly so that his body wouldn't simply get used to it making it less effective as an emergency medicine.

@Zand - interesting to read about your son's experience, thanks for sharing.

I've always thought at times of stress / trouble / upset ... the immediate 'British' reaction has been to put the kettle on and make a cup of tea. For some the fact of 'doing something' can help and for others the fact that you do most times sit down to drink that cuppa and maybe relax a little can also help. Of course the caffeine effect is not to be discounted either !

All the best Jan