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Black tea improves attention and self-reported alertness.
E A De Bruin1, M J Rowson, L Van Buren
1Unilever R&D Vlaardingen, Olivier van Noortlaan 120, PB Box 114, NL-3130 AC Vlaardingen, The Netherlands. Eveline-de.Bruin@unilever.com
Appetite
|December 22, 2010
Summary
Black tea significantly improved attention and alertness in two rigorous studies. This common beverage enhances cognitive performance, impacting daily functioning.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Previous open-label studies suggest tea sustains alertness.
- The cognitive effects of tea require further investigation in controlled settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of black tea on attention and self-reported alertness.
- To compare black tea against a placebo in a double-blind, randomized, controlled design.
Main Methods:
- Two double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover studies were conducted.
- Participants consumed black tea or a placebo tea.
- Objective attention was measured using the switch task and intersensory-attention test.
- Subjective alertness was assessed using the Bond-Lader visual analogue scales.
Main Results:
- Black tea significantly improved accuracy on the switch task in both studies.
- Self-reported alertness was significantly enhanced by black tea.
- The first study showed improved auditory and visual intersensory attention after black tea consumption.
- Higher theanine and caffeine levels correlated with stronger attention effects.
Conclusions:
- Black tea consumption demonstrably enhances cognitive functions, specifically attention and alertness.
- Tea is a significant factor in daily cognitive performance due to its widespread consumption.
- Controlled studies confirm the beneficial cognitive effects of black tea.
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