Nutritional Additive for a Tea Drink

A nutritional additive for tea or a tea drink includes a species of Camellia sinensis or an extract derived from the species of Camellia sinensis, an extract of a green coffee bean, and L-theanine or any salt or derivative thereof. A method for preparing the additive is disclosed herein, as well as a tea drink containing the additive, and a method for preparing the tea drink.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to nutritional additives, and more particularly, to a nutritional additive for a tea drink.

BACKGROUND

Tea is prepared from the dried leaves of tea plants, most of which are from theCamellia sinensistea plant. Examples ofCamellia sinensistea plants are black tea plant, green tea plant, white tea plant, and oolong tea plant. Caffeine can be present in the leaves of tea plants; thus, a drink derived from tea leaves can have a stimulating effect that is associated with the ingestion of caffeine.

However, consumption of a tea drink can cause negative effects in some people such as jitters, anxiety, nervousness, elevated heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. Ingestion of tea can also cause a spike in blood sugar and consequently a spike in the production of insulin in the body. Moreover, the stimulation created by consumption of a tea drink can be followed by an energy crash, which leaves the consumer feeling tired.

The negative effects of consuming a tea drink can be reduced by abstinence from these types of drinks, exercise, strict diet, or a combination of abstinence, exercise, and dietary discipline. Some people reduce the effect of caffeine in tea drinks by consuming decaffeinated tea drinks.

There is an ongoing need to provide other solutions for reducing the negative effects of tea drink consumption.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a nutritional additive (e.g., a tea additive) that includes a species ofCamellia sinensisor an extract derived from the species ofCamellia sinensis, an extract of a green coffee bean, and L-theanine or any salt or derivative thereof.

Disclosed herein is a method for preparing the tea additive disclosed herein, which can include mixing a first set of ingredients comprising a species ofCamellia sinensisor an extract derived from the species ofCamellia sinensis, an extract of a green coffee bean, and L-theanine or any salt or derivative thereof, in any of the amounts disclosed herein.

Disclosed herein is a tea drink that contains the disclosed tea additive.

Disclosed herein is a method for preparing a tea drink that can include mixing a tea-containing liquid or tea-derived drink (e.g., tea, milk tea) with an embodiment of the tea additive disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The term “tea” as used herein refers to the liquid product made by soaking or steeping leaves of a tea plant in water. The tea can be made by any method, such as a drip tea method or a steeping method. A processed derivative of tea, such as milk tea, can be made by processing the liquid product.

“Tea drink” as used herein refers to a beverage that contains tea or the processed derivative of tea. The tea drink can be embodied as a hot beverage, a cold beverage, or a room-temperature beverage. The tea drink can be prepackaged in a bottle or in a can.

The term “coffee bean” as used herein refers to the seeds that are obtained by removing the pulp and the skin from coffee berries (or cherries) ofCoffeaplants. Coffee berries, which contain the coffee bean, are produced by several species of small evergreen plants of the genusCoffea. Coffee beans can be roasted to produce roasted coffee beans that are commonly used to make coffee.

The term “green coffee bean” as used herein refers to a coffee bean that is not roasted.

Disclosed herein is a nutritional additive for a tea drink, a method for preparing the nutritional additive, a tea drink containing the nutritional additive, and a method for preparing the tea drink containing the nutritional additive.

The nutritional additive for the tea drink can include a species ofCamellia sinensisor an extract derived from the species ofCamellia sinensis, an extract of a green coffee bean, and L-theanine or any salt or derivative thereof. In some embodiments, the nutritional additive for the tea drink can additionally include one or more of L-carnitine or any salt or derivative thereof, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin D, and chromium picolinate. In additional embodiments, the nutritional additive for the tea drink can further include a carrier. In additional embodiments for the nutritional additive for the tea drink, the nutritional additive can additionally include vitamin C, sodium bicarbonate, or both vitamin C and sodium bicarbonate.

The nutritional additive easily dissolves in tea or a tea drink without changing the color, taste, and mouthfeel of the tea or tea drink. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the species ofCamellia sinensisor an extract derived from the species ofCamellia sinensisin combination with an extract of a green coffee bean, when consumed in combination with tea or a tea drink work synergistically to enhance the metabolic effects of tea and to enhance the effects of the ingredients to liberate fat from fat cells, increase thermogenesis (the heat the body produces and thus burn more total calories), increase hormones associated with the release of fat, and burn fat as a preference fuel over carbohydrates. The ingredients of the nutritional additive also facilitate the transport of fat from fat cells into muscle and liver cells to be burned as fuel. Addition of L-theanine to the above combination, when consumed in combination with a tea drink, also can reduce the negative and unwanted side effects of tea, while enhancing the desired feeling of focus and alertness. Side effects including having jitters, feeling over stimulated, anxiousness, and having an increase in both heart rate and blood pressure when faced with tasks that the average adult would encounter in their daily life with work or school. An enhancement of the focus and alertness desired from tea, with a smoothing of this sensation, reducing the ‘high’ and ‘crash’ many people can experience when the effects of tea wear off. Addition of B vitamin(s) and vitamin D in the tea additive, when consumed in combination with a tea drink, can also boost immunity, add an enhanced sense of energy, and reduce the loss of key vitamins due to a diuretic effect of tea. Addition of vitamin C in the tea additive can increase the potency of polyphenols in tea or a tea drink. Addition of sodium bicarbonate for use in the tea additive reduce gastrointestinal distress from consuming tea and bind tannins that can stain the enamel of teeth. These ingredients provide support for a feeling of energy without adding an unwanted added stimulating effect beyond what tea alone provides.

Species ofCamellia sinensisor an Extract Derived from the Species ofCamellia sinensis

Camellia sinensisis a genus for different species of plants that have leaves suitable for making tea (also known as tea leaves). Species ofCamellia sinensisthat are used in the disclosed additive include black tea plant, green tea plant, or a combination of black tea plant and green tea plant. The species ofCamellia sinensiscan be embodied as black tea leaf/leaves, green tea leaf/leaves, or a combination of black tea leaf/leaves and green tea leaf/leaves.

In embodiments that utilize an extract derived from a species ofCamellia sinensis, the extract can be derived from, isolated from, or otherwise obtained from, a green tea leaf/leaves.

In embodiments, the extract can contain from about 1 wt % to about 99 wt % polyphenols based on a total weight of the extract of the green tea leaf/leaves in the additive; alternatively, from about 15 wt % to about 98 wt % polyphenols based on a total weight of the extract of the green tea leaf/leaves in the additive; alternatively, from about 95 wt % to about 98 wt % polyphenols based on a total weight of the extract of the green tea leaf/leaves in the additive; alternatively, about 15, 19, 50, 60, 70, 95, or 98 wt % polyphenols based on a total weight of the extract of the green tea leaf/leaves in the additive.

In embodiments, the extract can contain from about 1 wt % to about 99 wt % catechins based on a total weight of the extract of the green tea leaf/leaves in the additive; alternatively, from about 15 wt % to about 98 wt % catechins based on a total weight of the extract of the green tea leaf/leaves in the additive; alternatively, from about 50 wt % to about 98 wt % catechins based on a total weight of the extract of the green tea leaf/leaves in the additive; alternatively, about 15, 19, 50, 60, 70, 95, or 98 wt % catechins based on a total weight of the extract of the green tea leaf/leaves in the additive.

In additional or alternative embodiments, the extract can contain from about 1 wt % to about 99 wt % epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) based on a total weight of the extract of the green tea leaf/leaves in the additive; alternatively, from about 2.5 wt % to about 65 wt % EGCG based on a total weight of the extract of the green tea leaf/leaves in the additive; alternatively, from about 40 wt % to about 65 wt % EGCG based on a total weight of the extract of the green tea leaf/leaves in the additive; alternatively, about 2.5, 4, 13, 20, 25, 40, 50, or 65 wt % EGCG based on a total weight of the extract of the green tea leaf/leaves in the additive.

In embodiments of the tea additive, the species ofCamellia sinensisor the extract derived from the species ofCamellia sinensiscan be present in the tea additive in an amount of from about 1 mg to about 2,000 mg; alternatively, from about 1 mg to 500 mg; alternatively, from about 50 mg to about 200 mg; alternatively, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, or 250 mg.

An Extract of a Green Coffee Bean

The green coffee bean from which the extract of the green coffee bean is derived, isolated, or otherwise obtained, can be selected from anarabicacoffee bean, acanephoracoffee bean, aeugenioidescoffee bean, arobustacoffee bean, areacemosacoffee bean, alibericacoffee bean, or a combination thereof.

In embodiments, the extract of the green coffee bean can include from about 1 wt % to about 99 wt % chlorogenic acid or any salt or derivative thereof based on a total weight of the extract of the green coffee bean; alternatively, from about 10 wt % to about 65 wt % chlorogenic acid or any salt or derivative thereof based on a total weight of the extract of the green coffee bean; alternatively, from about 40 wt % to about 50 wt % chlorogenic acid or any salt or derivative thereof based on a total weight of the extract of the green coffee bean; alternatively, about 10, 20, 30, 40, or 50 wt % chlorogenic acid or any salt or derivative thereof based on a total weight of the extract of the green coffee bean.

In some aspects, the extract of the green coffee bean can be pure chlorogenic acid or any salt or derivative thereof. That is, the extract of the green coffee bean can be pure chlorogenic acid, any pure salt of chlorogenic acid, any pure derivative of chlorogenic acid, or a combination thereof. In this context, “pure” can indicate that the extract is greater than 99.0, 99.1, 99.2, 99.3, 99.4, 99.5, 99.6, 99.7, 99.8, or 99.9 wt % of chlorogenic acid, any salt, or any derivative thereof based on a total weight of the extract of the green coffee bean.

In embodiments of the tea additive, the extract of the green coffee bean can be present in the tea additive in an amount of from about 1 mg to about 2,000 mg; alternatively, from about 1 mg to 500 mg; alternatively, from about 50 mg to about 200 mg; alternatively, 50, 75, 100, 125, or 150 mg.

L-Theanine or any Salt or Derivative Thereof

L-theanine or any salt or derivative thereof can be embodied as L-theanine, any salt of L-theanine, any derivative of L-theanine, or a combination of two or more of L-theanine, any salt of L-theanine, and any derivative of L-theanine.

In embodiments of the tea additive, L-theanine or any salt or derivative thereof can be present in the tea additive in an amount of from about 1 mg to about 2,000 mg; alternatively, from about 1 mg to 500 mg; alternatively, from about 1 mg to about 200 mg; alternatively, 25, 50, 75, or 100 mg.

Without being limited to theory, it is believed that L-theanine can reduce anxiety, reduce jitters, reduce the increase in heart rate, reduce the increase in blood pressure, or combinations thereof that are associated with ingestion of tea.

Derivatives of L-theanine can include the esters and amides of L-theanine.

Additional Ingredients

In addition to the trio of ingredients discussed hereinabove, the disclosed tea additive can additionally include one or more of L-carnitine or any salt or derivative thereof, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin D, and chromium picolinate. The tea additive can additionally include one or more of vitamin C and sodium bicarbonate.

L-carnitine or any salt or derivative thereof can be embodied as L-carnitine, any salt of L-carnitine, any derivative of L-carnitine, or a combination of two or more of L-carnitine, any salt of L-carnitine, and any derivative of L-carnitine.

In embodiments, L-carnitine or any salt or derivative thereof can be present in the tea additive in an amount of from about 1 mg to about 5,000 mg; alternatively, from about 100 mg to 900 mg; alternatively, from about 100 mg to about 500 mg; alternatively, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, or 900 mg.

Without being limited to theory, it is believed that L-carnitine can facilitate the metabolism of lipids, or fat burning. L-carnitine is primarily synthesized in the liver and the kidneys and has a physiological role in transporting long-chain fatty acids across the mitochondrial membrane and into the mitochondrion for metabolism and removal of unwanted compounds.

The tea additive can include vitamin B12. “Vitamin B12” as used in the additive refers to any form of vitamin B12, include an ingestible form of cyanocobalamin that can be converted to a more biologically available form after ingestion.

In embodiments, vitamin B12can be present in the tea additive in an amount of from about 0.001 mg to about 1 mg; alternatively, from about 0.001 mg to 0.5 mg; alternatively, from about 0.0025 mg to about 0.1 mg; alternatively, 0.003, 0.005, 0.0075, or 0.01 mg.

The tea additive can include vitamin B6, which can comprise any of the compounds known to fall within the scope of vitamin B6. “Vitamin B6” as used in the tea additive can refer to any form of vitamin B6, including an ingestible form of pyridoxine that can be converted to a more metabolically active form after ingestion.

In embodiments, vitamin B6can be present in the tea additive in an amount of from about 0.1 mg to about 10 mg; alternatively, from about 0.5 mg to 5 mg; alternatively, from about 0.75 mg to about 2.5 mg; alternatively, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, or 2.5 mg.

Vitamin C

The tea additive can include vitamin C. Vitamin C can be embodied as ascorbic acid, calcium ascorbate, sodium ascorbate, dehydroascorbate, or combinations thereof. Tea and tea drinks have polyphenols present therein. Not only is vitamin C an antioxidant, inclusion of vitamin C in the tea additive for use in tea or a tea drink can increase the potency of polyphenols in the tea or a tea drink by inhibiting the degradation and break down prior to consumption that would otherwise happen to the polyphenols without presence of vitamin C.

In embodiments, vitamin C can be present in the tea additive in an amount of from about 1 mg to about 150 mg; alternatively, from about 10 mg to about 90 mg; alternatively, from about 25 mg to about 75 mg; alternatively, 30, 40, 50, 60, or 70 mg.

Vitamin D

The tea additive can include vitamin D, which can comprise any of the species of vitamin D known to fall within the scope of vitamin D. “Vitamin D” as used in the tea additive can refer to any form of vitamin D, including an ingestible form that can be converted to a more metabolically active and/or biologically active form after ingestion.

In embodiments, vitamin D can be present in the tea additive in an amount of from about 0.001 mg to about 1 mg; alternatively, from about 0.005 mg to 0.5 mg; alternatively, from about 0.01 mg to about 0.05 mg; alternatively, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.025, or 0.03 mg.

The tea additive can include chromium picolinate.

In embodiments, chromium picolinate or any salt or derivative thereof can be present in the tea additive in an amount of from about 0.001 mg to about 1 mg; alternatively, from about 0.005 mg to 0.05 mg; alternatively, from about 0.01 mg to about 0.05 mg; alternatively, 0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.025, or 0.03 mg.

Chromium picolinate can be formed by mixing elemental chromium with picolinic acid. Chromium picolinate can function to increase insulin efficiency within the body, clean the blood, and to direct the body to a fat burning state. The chromium ion available from chromium picolinate can improve glucose tolerance, improve serum lipid concentrations (including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), and improve insulin efficiency within the body. That is, chromium ions can enhance insulin function, which is to transport glucose to the various cells of the body so as to provide the energy for cells, and can help the body metabolize carbohydrates and fats. Chromium ions available from chromium picolinate can also clean the blood by removing excess sugar and reducing cholesterol from blood. The picolinate ion available from chromium picolinate can function as a metabolite for amino acids that are produced by the body, such as for tryptophan produced in the liver, kidney, and pancreas. The picolinate ion can also bind to or otherwise complex with zinc, copper, and chromium ions in the body for transport of these metals from the small intestine to the blood.

Sodium Bicarbonate

The tea additive can include sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate is also known as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda. Tea and tea drinks have tannins present therein, which are responsible for staining teeth and can produce gastrointestinal distress in some consumers. Inclusion of sodium bicarbonate in the tea additive for use in tea or a tea drink can provide a binding agent for some of the tannins so that the bound tannins do not bind to, and stain, teeth. Moreover, it is believed that the inclusion of sodium bicarbonate can reduce some of the gastrointestinal distress experienced by some consumers when consuming tea or a tea drink.

In embodiments, sodium bicarbonate can be present in the tea additive in an amount of from about 1 mg to about 500 mg; alternatively, from about 50 mg to about 300 mg; alternatively, from about 50 mg to about 150 mg; alternatively, 50, 75, 100, 125, or 150 mg.

Carrier

In embodiments, the tea additive can include one or more carriers selected from maltodextrin, MCT oil, gelatin, pectin, glycerin, glucose syrup, sugar, sodium citrate, or a combination thereof.

In embodiments, the tea additive can include from about 500 mg to 10,000 mg carrier based on a total weight of the tea additive; alternatively, from about 500 mg to 5,000 mg carrier based on a total weight of the tea additive; alternatively, from about 500 mg to 3,000 mg carrier based on a total weight of the tea additive; alternatively, about 500, 750, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000, or 5000 mg.

In embodiments, the weight ratio of carrier to actives in the tea additive can range from about 0.8:1 to about 25:1; alternatively, from about 0.8:1 to about 12.5:1; alternatively, from about 0.8:1 to about 7.5:1; alternatively, from about 0.8:1 to about 5:1; alternatively, from about 0.8:1 to about 2.5:1. “Actives” in this ratio can refer to the tea additives described above that contribute to the beneficial effects described herein, including 1) a species ofCamellia sinensisor an extract derived from the species ofCamellia sinensis,2) an extract of a green coffee bean, and 3) L-theanine or any salt or derivative thereof, and 4) optionally one or more of L-carnitine or any salt or derivative thereof, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, chromium picolinate, and sodium bicarbonate. For example, the carrier can be included in the tea additive in an amount of from about 500 mg to 10,000 mg, and the actives can be included in an amount of from about 400 mg to about 600 mg; alternatively, the carrier can be included in the tea additive in an amount of from about 500 mg to 5,000 mg, and the actives can be included in an amount of from about 400 mg to about 600 mg; alternatively, the carrier can be included in the tea additive in an amount of from about 500 mg to 3,000 mg, and the actives can be included in an amount of from about 400 mg to about 600 mg; alternatively, the carrier can be included in the tea additive in an amount of from about 500 mg to 2,000 mg, and the actives can be included in an amount of from about 400 mg to about 600 mg; alternatively, the carrier can be included in the tea additive in an amount of from about 500 mg to 1,000 mg, and the actives can be included in an amount of from about 400 mg to about 600 mg.

In embodiments, the tea additive can include one or more sweeteners selected from fructooligosaccharide, sucrose, aspartame,Stevia, acesulfame potassium, maltodextrin, sucralose, or a combination thereof.

Natural Flavors

In embodiments, the tea additive can include one or more natural flavors selected from almond extract, hazelnut extract, vanilla extract, or a combination thereof.

Bitter Masking Agent

In embodiments, the tea additive can include one or more bitter masking agents selected from a sodium compound (e.g., sodium chloride, sodium benzoate), a potassium compound (e.g., potassium sorbate), aspartame, sucralose, citric acid, or a combination thereof.

Combinations

In embodiments, the tea additive can include a species ofCamellia sinensisor an extract derived from the species ofCamellia sinensis, an extract of a green coffee bean, and L-theanine or any salt or derivative thereof, where these components are present in the tea additive in any combination of the amounts disclosed herein for the tea additive. In variations of these embodiments, the tea additive can additionally include one or more of L-carnitine, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, chromium picolinate, sodium bicarbonate, and carrier (e.g., maltodextrin), where these additional component(s) are present in the tea additive in any combination of the amounts disclosed herein for the tea additive.

Method for Preparing the Tea Additive

Disclosed herein is a method for preparing the tea additive disclosed herein. The method can include mixing a first set of ingredients comprising a species ofCamellia sinensisor an extract derived from the species ofCamellia sinensis, an extract of a green coffee bean, and L-theanine or any salt or derivative thereof, in any of the amounts disclosed herein for a tea additive, to form a first mixture. The method can additionally include mixing one or more of L-carnitine or any salt or derivative thereof, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, chromium picolinate, sodium bicarbonate, and a carrier with the first mixture, in any of the amounts disclosed herein to form a second mixture. The method can additionally include forming the first mixture or the second mixture into a dry powder, a liquid tincture, a gelatin, or a gel to form the tea additive.

In embodiments, the tea additive in the form of a dry powder can be contained within a packet (e.g., a flat-rectangular shaped pouch such as those used for sweeteners), or manufactured to be contained with a capsule, a caplet, or a tablet. In embodiments, the tea additive in the form of a liquid tincture can be contained in a bottle, a caplet, a capsule, a liquid gel, or a gummy. In embodiments, the tea additive in the form of a gelatin can be contained in a gummy. In embodiments, the tea additive in the form of a gel can be contained in a liquid gel.

Tea Drink and Method for Preparing the Tea Drink

Also disclosed herein is a tea drink that contains the disclosed tea additive. In embodiments, the tea drink can be a hot tea drink, a room-temperature tea drink, or a cold tea drink.

A method for preparing a tea drink can include mixing a tea-containing liquid or tea-derived drink (e.g., tea, milk tea) with an embodiment of the tea additive disclosed herein. Mixing can be accomplished by preparing the tea-containing liquid or tea-derived drink by any method known in the art with the aid of this disclosure, preparing the tea additive according to the disclosure, and adding the tea additive to the tea-containing liquid or tea-derived drink to form a consumable beverage having the advantages disclosed herein. Alternatively, mixing can be accomplished by preparing the tea-containing liquid or tea-derived drink by any method known in the art with the aid of this disclosure, preparing the tea additive according to the disclosure, and adding the tea-containing liquid or tea-derived drink to the tea additive to form a consumable beverage having the advantages disclosed herein. Alternatively, mixing can be accomplished by preparing the tea-containing liquid or tea-derived drink by any method known in the art with the aid of this disclosure, preparing the tea additive according to the disclosure, and adding the tea additive and a tea-containing liquid or tea-derived drink to a container to form a consumable beverage having the advantage disclosed herein.

When mixing the tea additive and tea-containing liquid or tea-derived drink to form a consumable beverage, the amount of the tea additive can be in the range of from about 500 mg to about 10 g and the amount of the tea-containing liquid or tea-derived drink to form a consumable beverage can be about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, or 32 ounces.

Embodiments that result from combining or omitting features of the embodiment(s) are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure. Numerical ranges should be understood to include the endpoint values unless expressly disclosed to the contrary (e.g., from about X to about Y includes X and Y; between X and Y includes X and Y; greater than or less than X does not include value X). Moreover, each numerical range should be understood to include each numerical value falling between the endpoints (e.g., from 0.1 to 1 includes, 0.1 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, and 1); greater than 1 includes 1, 2, 3, and so on). It is contemplated that express disclosure of terms such as comprises, contains, includes, having, and their grammatical variants provides support for narrower terms, including but not limited to consisting of and consisting essentially of.