Are you looking to completely turn your back on tea and java because you’re sensitive to stimulants? The good news is here– you can always opt for decaffeinated options. Let’s take tea (because that’s what Quite The Stir is mostly all about); decaffeinated tea is just as healthy and nutritious as its caffeinated counterpart but without the side effects of caffeine.
Many may not realize this little tidbit, but tea is a moderate source of caffeine consumed globally. Further not recognized, most teas contain small amounts of caffeine, including antioxidant-rich green and black teas.
Really? Yes, really–and
While tea has less caffeine than coffee, it contains three other stimulant substances. Those are theophylline and theobromine. (They are organic compounds related to caffeine, are found in small amounts in tea, and can stimulate the body in various ways.) Theophylline is known to relax smooth muscles in the airway, thus making breathing easier while producing force and timing the heart’s contractions. Theobromine can stimulate the heart and also has a mild diuretic effect improving blood flow throughout the body, which can lead to reduced blood pressure. Tea also contains an amino acid called L-theanine. (This increases the production of alpha waves in the brain. Working in conjunction with caffeine, L-theanine may improve brain function. However, these substances are minute in a cup of tea, so their net effect on the body is likely minute.
A strong cup of coffee may hold 100–300 mg of caffeine, while a cup of tea holds 20–60 mg.
Herbal teas, including ginger, peppermint, and chamomile, contain no caffeine at all. Why? These teas are not made from the camellia Sinensis plant as most teas are. They are made from dried leaves, roots, seeds, and flowers, usually caffeine-free.
Now, let’s learn about the number of caffeine teas hold:
Black Tea:
Black tea has about 40 to 70 milligrams of caffeine per eight-ounce serving. On the other hand, coffee has about 95 to 200 milligrams.
Cup size matters too. If you drink your black tea in a large mug or cup, you may receive a similar amount of caffeine as in coffee. So, pick your coffee vessels with this information in mind.
Green Tea
Green tea holds 35 to 45 milligrams per eight-ounce serving, and it is a softer touch when it comes to a stimulant. Green tea is a good choice if you want to reduce your caffeine intake.
White Tea
White tea has the least caffeine and holds only 15 to 30 milligrams per eight-ounce serving. (This tea is the least processed during production.)
Oolong Tea
Oolong tea, a traditional Chinese tea, is complex over and beyond many other teas. Oolong tea’s caffeine is between black and green tea – 37 to 55 milligrams per eight-ounce serving.
Herbal Tea
Herbal teas such as chamomile, ginger, and peppermint contain no caffeine. These teas are not made from the camellia Sinensis plant as most teas, and they are made instead from dried flowers, leaves, seeds, or roots that are generally caffeine-free. If you are looking for nighttime tea, herbal tea is a great choice.
Overall, tea offers a variety of choices from which you may benefit.
Go on now, and enjoy a cup of tea.
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