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.