Unilever scientists investigated the immediate effects of tea consumption and found that a cup of black tea improved mood and tended to enhance creative problem solving.
The focus of the study, conducted for Lipton Yellow Label Tea, was on the total tea experience including preparation and consumption.
The tea drinking group reported improved mood compared to a control group that had consumed water.
The findings that tea may also improve creativity were indicated by faster response times to problem solving challenges that had been set.
“These findings appear to confirm what many of us suspect; that the close to sacred ritual of the tea break can effectively boost your mood, which in turn can lead to other benefits such as improved problem solving,” says lead Unilever scientist Suzanne Einother.
“We suspect this effect is down to a combination of elements including aspects of tea preparation and the taste and aroma during consumption as well as simply taking a break from other activities.”
“Further work is planned in order to better understand the nature of the effect tea has on mood.”
The findings add to discoveries that other potential benefits that drinkers enjoy, such as increasing scientific evidence that points to the positive effect tea may have on heart health.
