Ceylon Black CBD Tea: Better Than Coffee for Deep Focus?

Every month we’re focussing on a different ingredient within our unique CBD tea range. We want to explore the latest research, lift the lid on health benefits and see how each component allows us to feel our best. There’s power in plants and we’re starting off with a biggie!

Ceylon black tea, is a key part of Britain's favourite cuppa and deeply entrenched in our culture and tradition. We ‘put the kettle on’ and drink a staggering 100 million cups of it a day. Blended with Assam tea leaves to make the classic English Breakfast blend, it’s bold and robust flavour quickly became our favourite drink, since first imported from Sri Lanka in the late 1800’s. So it's time to dive into a bit of the science behind our nation's favourite leaf and explore it's many, many health benefits. 

What's So Special About Ceylon Black Tea?

Grown in the mountainous central highlands of Sri Lanka, Ceylon black tea is considered the champagne of teas. The tropical climate, with warm days, cool nights and plenty of rainfall, provides the perfect conditions for growing Camellia sinensis, the tea plant used for black tea production.

Ceylon black tea is rich in anti-oxidents, polyphenals and proteins. Particularly, it is high in L-theanine, an amino acid that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Studies show theanine may have neuroprotective effects and can improve cognition and mood. Antioxidants like quercetin and kaempferol, beneficial plant compounds also found in tea, can help reduce inflammation in the body.

The 7 Main Health Benefits of Ceylon Black CBD Tea

1. Antioxidant Powerhouse

Ceylon black tea is packed with antioxidants like theaflavins and thearubigins which help neutralize free radicals and may help prevent cell damage. The antioxidants in black tea have been shown to help reduce the risk of some diseases such as heart disease and cancer.

2. For A Healthy Heart

The antioxidants in black tea may help lower the risk of heart disease by improving artery function and reducing inflammation. Black tea may also help lower high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, two major heart disease risk factors.

3. Stress Relief and Improved Focus

Ceylon black tea contains theanine, an amino acid found only in tea (and some mushrooms). Theanine promotes alpha wave activity in the brain which leads to a relaxed yet alert mental state. This helps reduce stress and anxiety while improving focus and concentration.

4. Healthy Digestion

Ceylon black tea contains tannins, which have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Drinking Ceylon tea may help soothe digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and diarrhea, promoting overall digestive health.

5. Weight Management

While green tea gets most of the kudos in this area, studies also suggest that the compounds in Ceylon black tea, particularly catechins, may help boost metabolism and promote fat oxidation. This helps in weight management when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

6. Reduced Diabetes Risk

Studies show black tea may help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation. The antioxidants in black tea are believed to play a role in stabilizing blood sugar levels and improving how the body responds to insulin.

7. Healthy Bones and Teeth

Black tea contains fluoride which helps prevent tooth decay and cavities. Fluoride may also help strengthen bones by slowing bone loss and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. The manganese in black tea helps bone health and collagen formation. 

Let’s Talk About L-Theanine in Black Tea 

L-theanine is an amino acid almost exclusively found in the Camellia sinensis plant, although it can also be found in smaller amounts in certain mushrooms. Known for its calming and relaxing effects on the brain, L-theanine counteracts the jittery effects of any caffeine found naturally in tea. Levels of which can vary, depending on several factors such as growing conditions and brewing technique. The exact amount ranges from about 5 to 20 milligrams per cup.

Theanine works magic on the human body through several mechanisms, mostly by modulating neurotransmitter activity in the brain. The compound increases the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, and dopamine, all associated with mood regulation and feelings of well-being. At the other end of the neurotransmitter excitement scale, theanine also blocks and decreases glutamate, which is associated with arousal and stress response.

Helping to get you in the zone, L-theanine has been shown to increase the production of alpha brain waves, to help with a relaxed but alert mental state. By doing this, L-theanine enhances focus, concentration and cognitive function, while reducing stress and anxiety levels.

Theanine and CBD Tea

Add some CBD into the mix and you've got an even better brew. An ideal companion, L-Theanine compliments CBD in promoting relaxation without drowsiness, achieving a balanced state of calm and focus. Scientific studies show both L-theanine and CBD has the ability to reduce stress and anxiety, enhance cognitive function, and improve sleep quality through their interaction with neurotransmitters. 

CBD, however, works with a differing system (the endocannabinoid system, we have a whole other blog on that) but functions in a similar way, transmitting signals between neurons and regulating neuronal activity. The ECS plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis within the body, making sure systems are balanced.

When combined, the overall effect plays a crucial role in promoting relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety. These effects contribute to L-theanine and CBD’s reputation as natural relaxation aids and cognitive enhancers.

How Much Caffeine is there in Ceylon Black Tea?

Ceylon black tea contains a moderate amount of caffeine when compared to green tea or coffee, typically around 50-90 milligrams per mug. The exact amount can vary based on the specific blend and how long the tea is steeped. Compared to coffee, which averages 95-200 milligrams per cup, the caffeine in Ceylon black tea is relatively low. However, it is still enough to produce an energizing effect and provide mental focus.

For those sensitive to caffeine or looking to limit their intake, it's a step down and a better option to a double shot cappuccino for instance. Less likely to cause side effects like restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. As we've described above, this is also in part due to the magic of L-theanine.

Why We Love Ceylon Black CBD Tea

Four Twentea combines Ceylon black tea with broad spectrum CBD extract for a blend that provides an ideal balance of focus, calm, and well-being. Our Normalitea English Breakfast blend is 50% Ceylon and 50% Assam and gives you a refreshing, robust lift in the morning.

Grown on the hillsides of Sri Lanka, it is known for its rich, full-bodied flavour and amber colour. When blended with CBD, it provides the perfect balance of alertness from the caffeine and relaxation from the CBD and L-theanine.