Top News

Many people often find themselves popping the kettle on and reaching for a coffee first thing in the morning. But swapping to another drink could leave you feeling “focussed and calm” throughout the day.

Dr Mosley, whose book Just One Thing 2 is set to be released posthumously after his 2024 death, says coffee “delivers a sharp jolt of caffeine” that can often lead to “jitters or energy crashes” throughout the day. A cup of tea however contains L-theanine, a naturally found amino acid.

In the Daily Mail’s Just One Thing special, Michael wrote: “L-theanine increases alpha brainwave activity – a state associated with calm alertness and mental clarity. When paired with the moderate caffeine levels found in tea, this combination seems to improve attention, memory and reaction time, making tea an ideal beverage for staying focused and calm.”

• Doctor explains one food 'worse than smoking' and shares main cause of 'early death'
• Health alert issued to anyone who drinks coffee before 9am

In one study, researchers reportedly discovered that people who drank both L-theanine and caffeine found they were more focused throughout the day. They also reported a better attention span and memory recall.

A 2021 study found that consuming L-theanine and caffeine had a positive impact on boys with ADHD. While men and women aged between 50 and 69 saw an increase in the amount of work they did after consuming the two together.

It stated: “Overall, we conclude that the combination of L-theanine and caffeine is likely a safe and effective cognitive enhancer.”

Michael’s book says that for many people making a cup of tea also brings them a moment to relax thanks to the routine more so than the brain chemistry. “You stop what you’re doing, make a warm drink, perhaps have a biscuit and take a few moments to unwind,” he wrote.

Meanwhile a 2007 study found that six weeks of drinking tea helped lower cortisol - which helps sleep - while boosting mood and memory. The researchers recommended black tea over green.

Michael however adds that people can consider “three cups of black tea” a day, adding that they can have it with milk should they wish. Michael, a pioneer of intermittent fasting, was known to many thanks to his appearances on the BBC as well as his 5:2 Diet.

Michael went missing while walking on the Greek island of Symi in 2024. He was on holiday with his wife Dr Clare Bailey-Mosley at the time.

After his death his wife and son, Dr Jack Mosley, continued to work on his legacy with the Fast800 plan. Jack has previously opened up about the impact his father had on his own career.

He said: “He’s had a really big impact on me, they both have really, and they were part of my inspiration to become a doctor, because it was something they were so passionate about and I could see how many tens of thousands of people they had helped with their passion for improving the nation’s metabolic health.

“People tell me all the time how much of a difference my dad has made to their lives and really it has dramatically improved their health. In a way it’s almost surprising at times when people say, ‘I’ve lost X amount of weight’.”