Does tea really improve sporting performance?
Physical activity is becoming increasingly common. Many are seeking to optimize their performance through an adapted diet and natural supplements. Tea, appreciated for its flavours and benefits, is attracting the attention of sportsmen and women. However, the question remains as to its impact on performance.
Studies show varying results. They often use concentrated powdered extracts, different from the usual consumption of tea. What's more, the correlation between the effects of tea and an improvement in physical performance remains weak, due to the diversity of disciplines and physical conditions of the participants.
It is therefore difficult to draw firm conclusions on the benefits of tea in sport. The research is still recent, often conducted with volunteers, which opens the way to future investigations to better understand the relationship between tea and sports performance.
Detox tea: real benefits or just a marketing ploy?
The term “detox” is often associated with diets designed to purify the body for weight loss. However, this notion has evolved, abandoning its original meaning linked to the elimination of toxins. Many see tea as a detox ally, but it's crucial to ask what the term “detox” really implies and what role tea can play. Although detox diets are popular, contemporary studies show no significant link with lasting weight loss. The human body already eliminates toxins via the liver and kidneys. The so-called “detox effect” of tea is not supported by solid scientific evidence. There is no reliable research to support the idea that tea acts as a detoxifying agent or aids weight loss. Although various teas have health benefits, there is no evidence that they influence toxin elimination or weight reduction in any significant way. The lack of detailed information on tea in this context is surprising, calling into question the marketing claims made for this beverage.
Kintsugi: The Japanese art of sublimating imperfections
2 months ago, I broke a shiboridashi that I acquired very recently, but for which I've become very attached. Its aesthetics, its use, but also the story of its creation, the story of its potter. He kindly offered to replace it at a reduced price. But I refused. I had it repaired. Several weeks of contemplation and reflection on Kintsugi repair followed.
Ritualizing the preparation of tea: a beneficial gesture for your health
Each of us has our own ritual for consuming tea. Whether alone or in good company, with a comforting mug, an elegant mini teapot or a matcha whisk in hand, the preparation possibilities and tasting moments are endless. But do these drinking habits have an impact on our health?
The way we prepare our tea can indeed influence its health benefits. For example, the repeated infusion method known as Gong Fu Cha extracts a liquor richer in antioxidant molecules. These compounds, recognized for their beneficial properties, merit further study in the context of tea and health research.
In addition, the context in which we consume tea, whether during a break at work or a ceremony, as well as our personal relationship with this beverage, play an important role. A calm, ritualized setting that is familiar to us can help to stabilize our mood and reduce stress. These serene moments of pause can transform tea-drinking into a source of well-being.
In short, tea is more than just a beverage: it's an enriching experience that combines pleasure and health benefits, linking everyday gestures with moments of conviviality and relaxation.