This popular drink has a beloved flavor and impressive health benefits, but it might not be best right before bed.
Since ancient times, green tea has been known as a healthy and rejuvenating drink. Green tea originated in China, tracing all the way back to 2737 B.C. when the Chinese emperor mistakenly drank water with a dead tea leaf boiled inside and actually found it quite refreshing. Happy accident, I’d say!
It’s common knowledge that green tea is incredibly popular, rich in antioxidants and offers an array of health benefits. However, despite all of the positive aspects of this beloved beverage, many people are still left wondering whether or not green tea contains caffeine. Whether you’re craving more caffeine, trying to steer clear of it, or you’re nearing bedtime and would rather not lie wide-eyed and awake all night long, let’s get to the bottom of what’s in the popular tea.
Does Green Tea Have Caffeine?
In short, yes. Green tea does contain caffeine. However, not all green teas are created and brought to shelves equally, and there are slight differences worth acknowledging. In fact, there are specific factors that can affect the caffeine content in different types of green tea.
For example, the harvest season of tea leaves may impact caffeine content. Earlier harvests of the same exact plant can potentially contain a higher caffeine content. This is because the longer the tea leaves have oxidized, the less caffeine they will contain. In the time that passes between harvests, polyphenols in the tea are produced in a greater quantities. These polyphenols can bind to the caffeine and ultimately make it less available for us to absorb when we drink the tea.
Additionally, the temperature of water at which you brew your tea, as well as your brewing method, can impact caffeine levels. Cold-brewing tea extracts less caffeine than hot-brewing. Brewing time can also play a role. If you steep your green tea in boiled water for 5 minutes versus 15 minutes, the caffeine level will be lower and the taste of the tea will be milder.
So while green tea does contain caffeine, there are several factors that can influence exactly how much caffeine makes it into your cup. Read on to learn how much caffeine that cup of green tea may contain, on average.
How Much Caffeine Does Green Tea Have?
Now that it is confirmed that green tea does, in fact, contain caffeine, it’s important to understand how much. Based on the Food and Drug Administration’s estimate, an 8-ounce cup of green tea typically contains 30 to 50 milligrams of caffeine. For some context, this FDA estimate also states that an 8-ounce cup of black tea contains 45 to 90 milligrams of caffeine, and an 8-ounce cup of coffee contains 80 to 100 milligrams of caffeine.
How Much Caffeine Should I Consume In a Day?)
Many people wake up in the morning yearning, longing, desperate for that morning caffeine kick-start. Similarly, the common “midday slump” may call for an afternoon caffeine boost from the nearest cafe. Caffeine can absolutely be part of a healthy eating pattern for most individuals. However, too much caffeine can potentially pose problems for your health. This depends on factors such as body weight, medications you may be taking, and individual tolerance or sensitivity to caffeine, as this varies from person to person.
The FDA cites 400 milligrams per day—about 5 cups of coffee or 10 cups of green tea—as the maximum amount of caffeine healthy adults should consume each day. According to the FDA, this amount is not generally associated with negative effects. However, as previously stated, different people have different sensitivity levels to caffeine and metabolize it at different rates. Signs that you’ve consumed too much caffeine include jitters, anxiousness, headache, nausea, insomnia or an increased heart rate. It is important for individuals to determine what works best for them and to be mindful of how they react to different levels of caffeine intake.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
According to a 2019 review published in the journal Medicine, people who habitually consume green tea had a 17% lower risk of developing breast cancer than non-tea drinkers, despite heterogeneity among those studied. This review also noted that green tea is rich with polyphenols, which contribute additional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to the tea. Antioxidants are compounds found in several types of foods, especially fruits and vegetables, that help protect our cells from oxidative damage, a factor that contributes to several chronic illnesses and cancers.
Other research suggests that green tea may help improve blood sugar control and reduce inflammation in the gut. This may help lower the risk of diabetes, digestive problems, high blood pressure and more. Green tea may also support brain function, aid in digestion, reduce heart disease risk and may even offer protection against cancer. Not to mention, it has a deep and earthy flavor and beautiful color that may help calm both the mind and body. What’s not to love about this centuries-old beverage?
Source: https://www.eatingwell.com
