When you’re playing golf in the morning or early afternoon, it can be a struggle to get yourself going, both mentally and physically. Some folks are not morning people and often need some external stimulus to get them firing on all cylinders. One of the best ways to achieve this goal is by having some type of morning tea.
There are so many different benefits that teas can provide you with, as well as being a tasty drink. The dash of caffeine will make you more alert. The hot tea can be nice and warming, especially if it is a cold day. There are hundreds of different types of teas you can buy and drink, so you really are spoilt for choice.
What are the main benefits of drinking tea in the morning?
Most teas will have some amount of caffeine in them, which is a good way to kick off your day. They won’t have nearly as much as a cup of coffee, but at least you won’t get the coffee crash or poor digestion that normally follows a cup of Joe. This allows you to keep your energy levels consistent throughout your round.
On a basic level, teas are great for getting water into your system. Everyone knows how important hydration is for the human body. To perform well on the golf course you need to have adequate stores of water, as you will be sweating throughout the round. You’ll need fluids to keep your muscles firing effectively. Otherwise, you will be opening yourself up to cramps, headaches and other forms of fatigue.
If you are in a particularly cold climate, it can be hard to play golf when your hands and other limbs are frozen solid. A cup of tea is a great way to warm your whole body, both through drinking it as well as simply holding the cup in your hands.
All types of tea are jam-packed with a group of antioxidants known as catechins. These have been linked to helping lower the risk of heart disease, as well as many other ailments. It is thought that catechins help your arteries to dilate efficiently, as well as limiting any oxidative damage that has occurred inside of the blood vessels. There have also been some positive studies showing that certain teas may help in the fight against cancer.
Here are three of the best tea choices to drink before your morning round.
1. Green Tea
A single bag of green tea contains approximately 35 milligrams of caffeine, which is more than enough to perk you up if you do not throw back cups of coffee on a regular basis. The catechins and polyphenols found in green tea have been said to help ward off some forms of cancer, as well as having great effects for your immune system.
There are many different types of green tea you can try, from different flavors to varieties originating in different regions. You can also brew it in a variety of different ways, depending on how much of a tea connoisseur you are. Some people just throw a tea bag into a cup, while others go through an extensive brewing and steeping process with green tea leaves.
2. Black Tea
Black tea is consumed by the bucketful if you ever visit certain areas of the world, like Ireland or the UK. These teas also have about 35 milligrams of caffeine per bag. Just like coffee, people have their preferences when it comes to adding forms of sweetener and milk to their black tea.
People in Asia like to add spices, chocolates and even herbs to their black tea. Thanks to the high levels of polyphenols, your arteries will dilate better, helping to prevent issues like strokes and cardiovascular problems.
3. White Tea
White tea has great properties for helping prevent and ward off heart disease, as well as giving you benefits in your oral health. Some people also swear by white tea for having anti-aging properties when used over the long term.
The good thing about these types of teas is that they often help to curb your cravings and appetite. This is a great choice for you if you are trying to battle cravings and lose some weight or simply eat more nutritionally dense foods.
— Andrew O’Malley