Like black and green tea, white tea leaves come from the Camellia sinesis plant. And, like black and green tea, white tea contains some caffeine. However, concentrations tend to be much lower than those found in black tea. It may also have lower caffeine content than green tea, though studies often group the two together in terms of measuring caffeine content.
White Tea
Caffeine occurs naturally in the leaves of Camellia sinesis. That means that white tea will contain caffeine unless it has been artificially removed to create a decaffeinated product. White tea doesn't go through the same process of oxidization and fermentation that black tea, and to a lesser extent green tea, go through. Some white tea contains both buds and young leaf tips, while other varieties only include the buds of the tea plant.
Comparisons
In general, white tea contains around 15 mg of caffeine per 8 oz. An 8 oz. cup of fresh brewed coffee contains around 135 mg of caffeine, according to information from Health Services at Columbia. Compared to black tea, white tea makes a drink approximately a third less caffeinated. Black tea contains between 40 and 70 mg of caffeine, depending on the brand and how long the tea leaves stew in the water.
Health Benefits
Unprocessed tea leaves, such as those found in white tea, generally contain more polyphenols than fermented tea leaves. These substances act as antioxidants in the human body. Several studies link polyphenols with possible health benefits, including lower blood pressure and reduced risk of developing colon cancer. The lower caffeine content also reduces the dehydrating diuretic effect of the tea compared to black tea and coffee.
Considerations
Caffeine acts as a stimulant in the human body. It's linked with increased alertness and reduced fatigue. However, too much caffeine can have negative side effects. For normal adults, 300 mg of caffeine per day makes a safe upper limit, according to the McKinley Health Center. Pregnant women must take extra care to reduce caffeine intake. The American Pregnancy Association suggests taking no more than 200 mg of caffeine per day. White tea, therefore, offers an alternative for reducing your caffeine intake.
References
- Medill Reports Chicago; Reading Between the Leaves: Tea's Benefits Balanced By Potential Medical Interactions; Dani Freidland, Tara S. Kerpelman; March 10, 2009
- Linus Pauling Institute; Tea; Jane Higdon, Ph.D.; Jan 2005
- Health Services at Columbia; Caffeine Content; October 26, 2007
- Pacific College of Oriental Medicine: Health Benefits of White Tea;
- American Pregnancy Association; What's the Real Scoop on Caffeine During Pregnancy; March, 2011
- McKinley Health Center; Caffeine; Oct 4, 2006
Member Comments