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Decaffeinated Green Tea vs. Caffeinated Green Tea

Sep 2, 2011 | By Stephanie Lee
Decaffeinated Green Tea vs. Caffeinated Green Tea
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Caffeine is a natural compound found in a variety of food and beverage items, such as chocolate, coffee and green tea. While moderate amounts of caffeine are generally safe, the recommended limit is between 200 and 300 mg of caffeine each day, excessive consumption of caffeine may have health consequences. An 8-ounce serving of caffeinated green tea contains approximately 30 to 120 milligrams of caffeine, depending on the brand, while decaffeinated green tea provides a smaller dose of caffeine, usually between 2 and 10 milligrams per 8-ounce serving. The effect that green tea has on the body depends on the amount of caffeine present in the tea. Consult with your healthcare provider or nutritionist regarding tea and caffeine recommendations prior to ingestion.

Addictive Properties

In the United States, approximately 90 percent of the population ingests caffeine daily making caffeine the nation's most widely used drug. Although caffeine has a reputation of promoting alertness in the workplace, habitual use of caffeine followed by an abrupt cessation of the drug may result in withdrawal symptoms, such as fatigue or headaches. Caffeine has a similar effect on the brain as heroin and cocaine as it elevates dopamine levels. Dopamine affects mood, learning ability, sleep and voluntary movements. Individuals unable to function without caffeine may have a physical dependence on the drug and should consider switching to decaffeinated green tea.

Side Effects

Individuals sensitive to caffeine should consider decaffeinated green tea as side effects include irritability, sleep disorders and heart palpitations. These side effects may occur even with moderate consumption of caffeine. Drinking 2 to 3 cups of caffeinated green tea each day can amount to 150 milligrams of caffeine, only 50 milligrams less than the lower recommended limit. Aside from switching to decaffeinated green tea, consuming the tea in the mornings rather than the evenings, or restricting your intake to 1 cup each day can help to lessen the side effects.

Weight Loss

Caffeine is a common ingredient in a variety of weight-loss supplements as healthcare professionals believe it to have thermogenic properties; however, experts at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center set the record straight. The thermogenic effect of green tea is due less to its caffeine content and more to its antioxidants. The catechins found in green tea may improve thermogenic activities by as much as 4 percent, suppress appetite and reduce the absorption of fat. Although caffeine may not play a significant role in weight loss, the antioxidant content of caffeinated green tea varies from that of decaffeinated green tea.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals, which are particles that are naturally formed in the body via metabolic processes. Free radicals may also enter the body as a result of environmental pollutants, such as cigarette smoke. Free radicals cause cellular damage, alter DNA structure and may accelerate the aging process. The process of decaffeinating green tea results in the partial removal of antioxidants. According to a study published in a 2003 edition of "Nutrition and Cancer," it was discovered that the flavonol content, a polyphenol antioxidant, of caffeinated teas ranged from 21.2 to 103.2 milligrams per gram while the flavonol content of its decaffeinated counterpart varied between 4.6 and 39.0 milligrams per gram. Another study published in the July 1994 edition of "Cancer Research" concluded that decaffeinated tea is less effective in inhibiting skin tumors in mice than caffeinated tea.

References

Article reviewed by Mary Hall Last updated on: Sep 2, 2011

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