Caffeine creates health problems for some people. It can contribute to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. There is evidence it contributes to fibrocystic breast disease and is a contributing to cancer and birth defects. For most people, consuming a few cups of tea is safe. For those that would rather not consume caffeine, decaffeinated may or may not be the way to go.
Some decaf tea retains flavor and some tends to have a bit of a chemical taste. This is the result of the processing methods to remove caffeine. One method is to naturally decaffeinate tea by using a substance already in the tea. Ethyl Acetate is the substance that releases the caffeine from the tealeaves. Unfortunately, it also adds an odd flavor profile that significantly changes the way you experience tea. The use of carbon dioxide acting as a solvent works much better. It leaves no residue to affect the flavor of the tea.
An old method of extracting caffeine came from the late 1800s invented by Ludwig Roselius. He used Benzene to extract caffeine from coffee. The process was only used briefly when dealing with tea. This method was a contributing factor in causing cancer. By the time decaf came to the US in 1981, the safer methods were already in use.
Herbal tea has no caffeine at all due to the fact it has no leaves from the tea plant. Any beverage with tealeaves from the Camellia sinesus plant has a degree of caffeine. Herbal tea (as the name implies) comes from herbs, berries or fruit instead. Rooibos tea comes from a different plant and does not contain caffeine either. White tea contains the least caffeine at about 6 to 25 milligrams per cup. Green tea that has not been decaffeinated contains 8 to 30 milligrams, oolong 12 to 15 and black tea holds the highest count at 25 to 100 milligrams per cup. Coffee contains about 40 to 170 milligrams of caffeine. Even decaffeinated tea still has some caffeine at about 1 to 4 milligrams.
Caffeine health concerns are both biological and psychological. The American Cancer Society gave strong warnings about excess caffeine. It is a stimulant that can make blood pressure soar. Caffeine can cause insomnia and in some people cause insufficient levels of calcium. It increases the pain killing abilities of aspirin and migraine medication. On a more positive note, caffeine increases energy and focus and is prescribed often for those with mood disorders or depression.
Those whose doctors suggest they stop drinking caffeine can switch to a low or no caffeine beverage. Remember that decaf tea still has a small amount of caffeine in it, but it also contains many beneficial substances including antioxidants.
Choosing decaf tea might not be a willing choice but it is better for the body. Those striving to quit drinking coffee should start with decaf black tea and progress to green and white and finally herbal with no caffeine at all.
Tags: Decaffeinated Tea, Green Tea, Tealeaves
