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CAFFEINE When people hear the word caffeine, it is often associated with coffee. However, tea is caffeinated as well. What is caffeine?
Caffeine is a stimulant drug commonly found in coffee, tea, and in many other natural substances, such as cocoa beans. Caffeine is used as an additive in many foods, like soft drinks and is found in medicines, such as pain relievers. Among Americans, the average daily estimate of caffeine consumption is about 280 mg., while about 20-30% intake more than 600 mg. daily. Researchers estimate that a low to moderate dose of daily caffeine consumption is 130-300 mg. Heavier caffeine consumption is about 6,000 mg. per day.
Common effects of caffeine
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system. If taken in doses of 100-200 mg., it has the ability to increase alertness and even improve thinking. A larger dose of caffeine, about 250-700 mg/day, is capable of causing insomnia, anxiety, nervousness and hypertension.
Here are some recommended links to learn more about caffeine: www.medicine.net; www.webmd.com; http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/Basics/ucm194317.htm
Caffeine amount in tea
All tea, which comes from the Camellia sinensis bush, naturally contains caffeine.
- Herbal Tea or Tisane is not considered ‘true tea.’ Rather, it is a blend of dried fruits, flowers, and herbs. These do not contain caffeine.
- Rooibos Tea which is also not considered ‘true tea,’ are 100% naturally caffeine-free.
- Green tea is believed to have about one-third the amount of caffeine per cup than that of coffee. Green tea is also said to contain less caffeine than black tea.
The list below enables you to compare the amount of caffeine in tea to that in other beverages. The estimates are per 8 ounce cup.
*Note: There are some gourmet coffees that can have as much as 270 mg. per 8 ounce cup. |
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