Caffeine in Green Tea
Is it true that drinking green tea can lead to difficulty sleeping due to the caffeine in this Chinese tea?
You might think of the caffeine content of this tea as a downside, but of course, people who need to stay awake late into the night may beg to differ.
Green tea does indeed contain caffeine, but at a much lower level than in coffee and black tea; and it also contains a wealth of antioxidant compounds.
What Is Caffeine?
Caffeine is a stimulant which acts on the CNS and the cardiovascular system. Caffeine does cause a small rise in blood pressure, though this is a short-lived effect with no known long-term consequences.
Unless you're drinking a decaffeinated tea, then there will always be some caffeine present.
Even so, you have a degree of control over exactly how much caffeine is present in your cup of green tea.
By controlling the length of the infusion and reusing your tea leaves, you can significantly reduce the amount of caffeine you take in.
Green Tea vs. Coffee
This tea and coffee have somewhat different effects, though both are caffeinated beverages. Caffeine is only one of many different compounds found in each and of course, the level of caffeine in green tea is far lower.
As such, this tea is generally fine for people who want a little help losing weight through caffeine's properties as a stimulant, but are sensitive to caffeine at the levels found in coffee.
Caffeine And Weight Loss
Studies have shown that caffeine helps to increase the metabolism, which causes the body to burn calories at a higher rate.
Because of this, many people choose to drink green tea as part of their weight loss efforts.
Decaffeinated Chinese tea
Decaffeinated green tea is also available, which is suitable for people who are very sensitive to caffeine.
This tea contains all of the antioxidant compounds of regular green tea, minus the caffeine.
Like other types of green tea, it may help prevent cancer, regulate cholesterol, promote healthy skin and prevent arteriosclerosis.
Decaffeinated Chinese green tea can still offer health benefits, but without caffeine's possibly unwelcome effects on your heart rate and blood pressure.
The Caffeine Content Of This Tea
Green tea contains only about half of the caffeine content of black tea; and between one third and one fourth of the caffeine of coffee.
Like any other caffeinated beverage, however, this Chinese tea should be consumed in moderation. Try to limit your consumption to no more than four cups per day.
