Green Tea Caffeine – Why It Is Better Than Coffee
Julian Tai
May 07, 2008
Caffeine, long considered the perfect pick-me-up, has been getting a bad rap lately. Green tea caffeine is often considered to be gentler and less intense than that found in coffee or black tea. What is the caffeine content in different types of tea, and which one is right for you?
Types Of Tea
All tea comes from the same plant, camellia sinensis. This plant grows in high altitudes in China, India and other Asian countries. The tea that ends up in our cups depends for its flavor and color on many different factors.
There are three main categories of tea: black, oolong, green and white. These are picked at different times of the year. The main difference, however, is in what happens to the leaves after picking.
Black tea is fermented, which makes it darker and stronger. Oolong tea is fermented less. Green tea is dried very quickly without fermentation. White tea is left to withered with the accompanying chemical changes with minimal cooking involved.
Caffeine Quality
Green tea plants tend to contain less caffeine than black tea plant, and far less than coffee.
In addition, the way our bodies absorb the caffeine is mitigated by the tannins. We tend to get a long slow boost from it instead of a sudden jolt. Because it is a gentler effect, green tea is an especially good choice for an afternoon or evening beverage. It can provide a pick me up without making you jittery or potentially keeping you awake when it´s time to sleep.
Loose tea provides less caffeine than bagged tea. Most tea leaves can be infused two or three times, with less caffeine making it into each cup. By the time you drink that last infusion, you may feel only a very mild lift.
Health Benefits
The popularity of caffeine has been decreasing lately. Perhaps all of those cups of strong coffee and energy drinks are finally taking their toll! In small amounts, however, caffeine is good for the health. It improves circulation, and helps in weight loss. It is invigorating and improves mental clarity and memory. It is even a natural antidepressant! Add that to the powerful antioxidants found in green tea, and you´ve got a healthful and restorative beverage.
Are you ready to debunk common myths about green tea caffeine? You many be surprised to learn why sometimes it has higher tea caffeine levels than black tea! Learn why it can still be a soothing cup of tea in this 2004 study on the best green tea!
Types Of Tea
All tea comes from the same plant, camellia sinensis. This plant grows in high altitudes in China, India and other Asian countries. The tea that ends up in our cups depends for its flavor and color on many different factors.
There are three main categories of tea: black, oolong, green and white. These are picked at different times of the year. The main difference, however, is in what happens to the leaves after picking.
Black tea is fermented, which makes it darker and stronger. Oolong tea is fermented less. Green tea is dried very quickly without fermentation. White tea is left to withered with the accompanying chemical changes with minimal cooking involved.
Caffeine Quality
Green tea plants tend to contain less caffeine than black tea plant, and far less than coffee.
In addition, the way our bodies absorb the caffeine is mitigated by the tannins. We tend to get a long slow boost from it instead of a sudden jolt. Because it is a gentler effect, green tea is an especially good choice for an afternoon or evening beverage. It can provide a pick me up without making you jittery or potentially keeping you awake when it´s time to sleep.
Loose tea provides less caffeine than bagged tea. Most tea leaves can be infused two or three times, with less caffeine making it into each cup. By the time you drink that last infusion, you may feel only a very mild lift.
Health Benefits
The popularity of caffeine has been decreasing lately. Perhaps all of those cups of strong coffee and energy drinks are finally taking their toll! In small amounts, however, caffeine is good for the health. It improves circulation, and helps in weight loss. It is invigorating and improves mental clarity and memory. It is even a natural antidepressant! Add that to the powerful antioxidants found in green tea, and you´ve got a healthful and restorative beverage.
Are you ready to debunk common myths about green tea caffeine? You many be surprised to learn why sometimes it has higher tea caffeine levels than black tea! Learn why it can still be a soothing cup of tea in this 2004 study on the best green tea!