4.3.4 Effect of Alertness and Refreshment
In comparison to 63% of the tea consumers, 75% of the coffee drinkers were concerned about the effect of alertness and refreshment of the beverages. The results of the T-test illustrated a significant discrepancy at the level of .05 (see Table 5). This suggests that coffee drinkers care more about this effect than do tea drinkers. This result also indicates that coffee is more powerful as a stimulant than tea. In fact, caffeine contained in tea possesses the same function as that in coffee. However, tea constitutes different chemical combinations since caffeine in tea is believed to be influenced by another substance, catechins, and, as a result, the effect of alertness and stimulation is offset (Chen et al., 2003). As proven in numerous scientific studies, caffeine can stimulate the central nervous system in the cerebrum and keep the mind alert; it also helps develop concentration on important tasks and increases work efficiency (Lemonick, 2006). Coffee’s reputation as an outstanding stimulating drink is attributed to caffeine.