Aug 17, 2009 6:38 pm US/Eastern
HealthWatch: New Study Links Tea And Relaxation
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Drinking tea is associated with positive mood and feelings of relaxation, and its chemical properties have been linked with making the brain more alert and helping people recover from stress. Now new research says just turning on the kettle can keep you calm.
In Britain, tea is as English as the queen.
"I couldn't do without my cup of tea in the morning," said British tea drinker Helen Wood. And research suggests they're a less-stressed nation because of it.
"One of the things we've confirmed in this study is, in the moment of crisis, turn to the kettle," said Dr. Malcolm Cross.
Scientists put volunteers in a stressful scenario and found that anxiety levels spiked 25 percent in those who didn't drink tea afterwards. Those who did have it were even calmer than before.
The British said they've always known that tea bags stress.
"It's always a nice thing that whenever we've got a problem over here, I think everyone turns around and says, 'Let's have a cup of tea'. And it's just that five minutes of everyone sitting down together and having a moment of calm," said Claire Benson.
But here in America, where we thrive on instant gratification, would we sit down in the middle of our day for a spot of tea?
"When do you get time to do it? I mean we have to work for a living here," said Nikki Ondrejka of Green Bay.
"We are heading for ice coffee right now," said Carol Bonham of New Jersey.
Still, British researchers hope all the tea talk will help stir up support for their favorite brew.
"I think anyone can drink tea. It's a lovely thing to do!" said Steph Waite.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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