Central Nervous System: For millions of Indians, a steaming cup of morning chai (tea) is the ultimate comfort drink of the country. But what if your beloved brew is secretly fuelling jitters, anxiety or that restless edge? Now comes the good news! A few simple tweaks here and there can transform your chai cup from an agitator to an ally.
Tea’s Double-Edged Sword: Caffeine vs. Calm
Black Tea, which is the base of most Indian chais, packs 30-50mg caffeine per cup. Caffeine inhibits adenosine receptors that spike alertness levels, cortisol (the stress hormone), flight-of-fight mode and heart rate. At 2-4 cups of chai daily (India’s average), you’re hitting 100-200 mg, a threshold triggering anxiety in 30% of sensitive adults, as per global studies.
DON'T MISS
Central Nervous System-L-theanine Connection
L-theanine, which is the tea’s amino acid hero (highest in green varieties), helps in boosting the levels of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and serotonin (that controls your mood) for zen focus. Black Tea has less and therefore over-stimulation wins if you overdo it.
Evening sips are worst: the 5-6 hour half-life of caffeine clashes with melatonin (the sleep hormone), fragmenting sleep and amplifying next-day worry.
The Right Way: Golden Rules to Sip for Serenity
- Don’t consume more than 2-3 Cups (200 mg Max) a day: Morning (7-9 AM) and early afternoon could be good.
- Avoid over-sugared tea masala and prefer green tea (2-3 min steep) or matcha for 50 mg L-theanine/cup.
- You can stabilize blood sugar levels by engaging in a 5-minute walk or anulom vilom pranayama.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is not a substitute for a qualified medical opinion in any way. The methods and claims mentioned in this article should be considered as suggestions only; DNP India neither confirms nor denies them. Always consult a doctor before following any such suggestions/treatments/medications/diets.