Does drinking tea increase endurance in sports?

Question

I go to swim practice. Whenever I drink tea in practice I seem to be able to last longer. My muscles even feel less tired after each workout too. Can anybody explain this? Thanks.

Answer 1

Tea does not increase your endurance and, contrary to another poster's statement, caffeine does not improve endurance, either.  

Tea does have anti-oxidants in it which reduces cell damage but that would not cause you to feel less tired.  

Perhaps your conditioning is improving but, tea has nothing to do with it.

Answer 2

It depends on what kind of tea you drink. Tea has caffeine and caffeine increases endurance in anything, because it makes you hyper and energetic. Your brain begins to work faster and become more active. However, don't drink it all of the time or you may become addicted. However...you may have found a way to beat your opponents and impress your instructors.