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Combining Behavior and EEG to Study the Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Episodic Memory

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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

|December 22, 2010

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Black tea significantly improved attention and alertness in two rigorous studies. This common beverage enhances cognitive performance, impacting daily functioning.

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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.