Tea can do that...
Quote “Don't let facts get in the way of a good story” Eric Lindsay Stacey (Tania’s Dad) and there always seems to be a good story around every cup of tea! Legends says many centuries ago, a Chinese emperor was enjoying his usual cup of plain boiled water when a few leaves from the Camellia Sinensis plant fell in. He took a sip and was pleasantly surprised by the flavour and so the humble cup of tea was born. A variation on this story claims the emperor was actually experimenting with various herbs when he discovered the restorative benefits of tea. However, tea facts make for a very good story!
Today, tea has become the second most consumed beverage in the world with hundreds of brands and flavours available. Yet it’s only been in recent decades that researchers have begun to look at the effects this simple beverage can have on our mood and brain function. Scientific evidence now shows drinking tea provides both stimulating and soothing effects - just like a glass of wine or beer. But unlike alcohol - regularly drinking tea can actually improve cognitive function and prevent conditions like depression and even dementia!
L-theanine is the ‘magic ingredient’ - an amino acid found in tea (and some mushrooms) responsible for relaxing the nervous system and lowering anxiety and stress levels by releasing dopamine. Studies have also shown L-theanine helps with concentration and brain function. Tea also contains small amounts of caffeine which also act as a stimulant, keeping you alert and focussed, along with powerful antioxidants (like EGCG) which have been said to help prevent cancer, damage to brain cells and improve memory
Sounds great, right? But who wants to sit in a pub or bar on a Friday night sipping on warm cuppa after warm cuppa? Well, you could start a new trend – or you could try East Forged!
Merging two of the oldest and most popular beverages (tea and beer), East Forged combines premium loose-leaf tea with an injection of Nitrogen bubbles, to create an innovative tea-based drink with a crisp, dry flavour and a beer-like appearance. Basically, you get the best of both worlds - minus the hangovers or bloating.
Available in black, green or white tea infused with exotic fruits of Yuzu, Pitaya and Calamansi, East Forged nitro tea drinks are a new style of iced tea and a great alternative for socialising. So, the next time you find yourself unconsciously reaching for a beer or wine – ask yourself, why am I choosing alcohol and is there something else that can give me the same or better benefits?
Mia Ferreira is a Professional Writer, PR and Social Media Consultant and a dedicated Iyengar Yoga teacher based in Melbourne. She is currently enrolled in the prestigious Professional Writing & Editing course at RMIT - with the dream of becoming a published author on day. Mia is also a self-confessed tea addict!
