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| Caffeine Information on Tea | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 Caffeine Content Comparisons Does Tea Contain More Caffeine Than Coffee? What Determines Caffeine Levels? Does Caffeine Pose Health Concerns? |
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Caffeine was first discovered in tea in 1827, and was named theine. It was later found in mate and various other plants. Eventually it was shown that the theine of tea was identical with the caffeine of coffee, and the term theine was then dropped. (Ref.: All About Tea by William H. Ukers)
While coffee and tea are both sources of caffeine, the amounts of caffeine in any single serving of these beverages varies significantly. An average serving of coffee contains the most caffeine, yet the same serving size of tea provides only 1/2 to 1/3 as much.(Ref.: Caffeine by The Institute of Food Technologists' Expert Panel on Food Safety & Nutrition.) One of the more confusing aspects of caffeine content is the fact that coffee contains less caffeine than tea when measured in its dry form. The caffeine content of a prepared cup of coffee is significantly higher than the caffeine content of a prepared cup of tea.
All real tea comes from the same botanical, Camellia sinensis, which contains caffeine. Herbal infusions are made from botanicals not related to Camellia sinensis, and they are naturally caffeine free. Chamomile and Peppermint are examples of herbal infusions (herbal tea).
The amount of caffeine in coffee or tea depends on a number of factors, including the variety of coffee bean or tea leaf, where it is grown, particle size used, (the particular coffee " grind " or tea leaf cut), and the method and length of brewing or steeping. Also with tea, studies show that leaf location on the tea plant, affects content of caffeine in that leaf. This is why the reported values in the literature are so variable. (Ref.: Caffeine by The Institute of Food Technologists' Expert Panel on Food Safety & Nutrition, All About Tea by William H. Ukers)
During the past decade, extensive research on caffeine in relation to cardiovascular disease, fibrocystic breast disease, reproductive function, behavior in children, birth defects, and cancer has identified no significant health hazard from normal caffeine consumption.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has conducted research and reviewed the extensive scientific literature on caffeine. In a Federal Register notice published in May 1987, the FDA stated that the agency had reviewed " studies on teratology, reproduction behavior, carcinogenicity, and cardiovascular disease...but found no evidence to show that the use of caffeine in carbonated beverages would render theses beverages injurious to health." The American Medical Association has examined the research on caffeine and came to a similarly confident position on its safety. A 1984 report from AMA Council on Scientific Affairs stated, " Moderate tea or coffee drinkers probably need have no concern for their health relative to their caffeine consumption provided other lifestyle habits (diet, alcohol consumption) are moderate, as well." (Ref.: International Food Information Council)
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Does Tea Contain More Caffeine Than Coffee?
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Herbal infusions & Caffeine
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What Determines Caffeine Levels?
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Does Caffeine Pose Health Concerns?
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Other Botanicals that contain caffeine
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Additional Facts on Caffeine
| Type of Tea | Caffeine | Examples |
| Black tea | Contains caffeine in nature, can be decaffeinated (removing most of the caffeine) | English Breakfast, Chai Spice, Earl Grey |
| Oolong tea | Contains caffeine in nature, generally less than black tea, can be decaffeinated (removing most of the caffeine) | China Oolong, Formosa Oolong Bay Jong, Ti Kuan Yin |
| Green tea | Contains caffeine in nature, generally less than oolong tea, can be decaffeinated (removing most of the caffeine) | Premium Green, Kangra Green Gunpowder, Darjeeling Green |
| White tea | Contains caffeine in nature, generally less than green tea, can be decaffeinated (removing most of the caffeine) | Mutan White, Flowery Pekoe White, White Pearls |
| Decaffeinated tea | Results of removing most of the caffeine from black, oolong, green, or white tea | Decaf Earl Grey, Decaf Chai Spice, Decaf Sencha Green |
| Herbal "tea" | Naturally caffeine free | Chamomile, Peppermint, Lemon Blossom |
*Caffeine content (Ref.: Internation Food Information Council, All About Tea by William H. Ukers)
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