Tea is a beverage made by soaking plant-based material in hot water. It comes in many flavors and has differing effects depending on which herbs it contains. Teas made from the Camellia sinensis plant contain caffeine, while herbal and decaffeinated teas generally do not. Learning about the caffeine content of various teas allows consumers to choose the type that's right for them.
Types
Tea can be made from virtually any plant. Traditionally, the word "tea" is used to describe the Camellia sinensis plant, though a variety of herbal teas are also available. Black, green, oolong and white teas come from Camellia sinensis and contain different amounts of caffeine. These teas also come in decaffeinated varieties that contain significantly less caffeine.
Herbal teas are made from herbs like chamomile, lavender or a combination of ingredients.
Features
Generally, darker teas like black and oolong varieties have a stronger flavor and higher caffeine content. These teas are made by allowing leaves to age and undergo additional oxidation, while white and green tea is made from younger leaves.
Black tea is most commonly used in iced and instant tea brews, while green and white are frequently drunk hot. Herbal teas vary greatly in flavor and effects depending on which herbs they contain.
Caffeine Content
Tea made from Camellia sinensis contains varying amounts of caffeine depending on its age and how it was processed. According to MayoClinic.com, 8 oz. of black tea contains 40 to 120mg of caffeine, while 6 oz. of green tea has roughly 26mg. Black decaffeinated tea is not completely caffeine-free and contains an average of 2 to 10mg per 8 oz. serving.
Unless it contains Camellia sinensis, herbal tea is usually caffeine free.
Adverse Effects
While caffeine is generally safe in moderation, large amounts are more likely to cause unwanted effects. According to Drugs.com, common side effects of caffeine include nausea, irritability, dizziness and nervousness. When consumed in high doses, caffeine may lead to caffeinism---a condition characterized by muscle twitching, heart palpitations, tremor and anxiety-like symptoms.
Caffeine has also been linked with fibrocystic breast disease, depression and worsening PMS symptoms in some women. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine and experience negative effects at low doses.
Alternatives
Choosing low-caffeine tea varieties is an excellent way to reap the health benefits of tea without ingesting large amounts of caffeine. Herbs such as peppermint, ginger, sage and the African rooibos plant contain no caffeine and have their own unique flavor and health effects.
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