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When you want to unwind, a steaming cup of tea can be the perfect option. And it seems relaxation is not the only benefit – as the drink may also improve brain performance, according to research.

Neurological activity increases noticeably around half an hour after drinking black or green tea, a study found, including processes linked to memory and decision making.

It is unclear which ingredients are responsible for the effect, but previous studies suggest a pivotal role is played by antioxidants known as flavonoids – which are unaffected by the addition of milk. 

Neurological activity increases noticeably around half an hour after drinking black or green tea, a study found, including processes linked to memory and decision making

These are already thought to help control inflammation, promote blood vessel function and limit clogging of the arteries.

For the latest study, researchers at Newcastle University investigated brainwave patterns to establish the effect of tea on various neurological functions. 

Eight volunteers were asked to drink a cup made with green or black leaves before having their brain activity measured.

Electrodes attached to their heads found three types of brainwave increased within an hour – alpha, beta and theta.

There was a highly significant increase in the theta waves between 30 minutes and an hour later, says the study published in Nutritional Neuroscience. 

The British tea industry is estimated to be worth more than £700million a year (file image)

Both black and green tea stimulated the activity, which is linked with improved cognitive function. 

Less significant but still notable was an increase in alpha and beta waves, which are connected to alertness, memory and logical reasoning.

Almost 80 per cent of Britons are tea drinkers and they get through an estimated 165million cups every day.

The British tea industry is estimated to be worth more than £700million a year.

Study leader Dr Edward Okello, executive director of the Medicinal Plant Research Group at Newcastle University, said: 'Tea has been associated with many mental benefits, such as attention enhancement, clarity of mind and relaxation.' He added that the findings provide further evidence for the drink's assumed benefits.

'The highly significant increase in theta waves post-consumption may be an indication of [tea's] putative role in cognitive function, alertness and attention,' he said.

Previous research has shown that drinking three to four cups of tea a day may cut the chance of having a heart attack. 

The drink can also help prevent type 2 diabetes, and slows the progression of the disease once it develops.

The antioxidants it contains have been found to halt certain effects of ageing, while regularly drinking black tea has been shown to visibly lower stress levels.

White tea could also help prevent obesity, as it was found to lessen the growth of new fat cells.

CHAMOMILE TEA 'CUTS CANCER RISK'

Drinking chamomile tea may help protect against thyroid cancer, researchers found.

More than 500 Greeks were questioned about their tea consumption by a team from Athens University.

The volunteers included 113 with thyroid cancer, 286 with benign thyroid diseases and 138 without illness. 

A report in the European Journal of Public Health says greater chamomile tea consumption was significantly associated with lower chances of developing thyroid disease.

Drinking the herbal tea two to six times a week reduced the risk of thyroid cancer by 70 per cent and benign disease by 84 per cent.

Overall, regular consumption of chamomile tea over 30 years reduced the risk of developing thyroid diseases by almost 80 per cent.