Green tea caffeine amounts will vary depending on the variety that you are brewing. There are over a hundred varieties of green tea, so each cup is going to have different amount. However, these amounts are very minute.
As a general comparison, a cup of black tea contains around half the amount of caffeine as a cup of regular coffee. Caffeine in green tea adds up to about half that of a cup of black tea
But for caffeine sensitive folks, even these tiny green tea caffeine numbers can aggravate symptoms. It is advisable that you speak to your doctor if you know or feel you are sensitive to caffeine.
Caffeine in small amounts is actually good for you. It can help stimulate the body and mind, helping people feel more energized and focused. It may also help you burn calories when accompanied with exercise.
The American Medical Association (AMA) states that folks who are moderate coffee and tea drinkers should generally have no concerns for health related issues provided that they lead a healthy lifestyle like good eating habits and proper exercise. However, for women who are pregnant, or for folks who get diarrhea or have sensitive stomachs for example, should consume less if not any caffeine since it may or may not lead to complications. Once again, speak to your physician.
For some folks, green tea is consumed for its health benefits, one of which is possible cancer prevention. A recent review by the International Agency for Research on Cancer showed that their is no link between caffeine and cancer in humans...so the caffeine in your cup of green tea is not clashing with cancer fighting antioxidants!
It is important to mention that caffeine is a natural substance found in plants, leaves, and fruits. It also acts as a natural pesticide which helps protect the plants from insects. It is not a man made additive.
So, if you are worried about the caffeine in your green tea, at least you now know approximately how much you are taking in.
I declined putting up a chart since numbers can vary...once again, we are talking about many varieties of green tea, we’re not comparing a single type to another. The coffee comparison above was to give a general idea.
So What To Do If You Are Still Concerned?
Well, there are always decaffeinated green teas, but here are some pointers.
1) They do not taste as good as normal green tea, and may seem bitter.
2) Some may do more harm than good since chemicals are used to decaffeinate some kinds of green tea.
3) These decaffeinated green teas contain less antioxidants then normal green tea...in some cases up to less than a third!
4) You can always find herbal alternatives such as the zero caffeine rooibos (red tea), or the delicious and very healthy brew of olive leaf tea. Peppermint tea is another and offers its share of health benefits.
For the most part, green tea caffeine should not be a major concern to the tea drinker. Many studies suggest that drinking green tea as well as any tea can help lead to a much healthier lifestyle, as well as provide many years of drinking pleasure!
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