Caffeine is a naturally occurring substance found in a variety of plants including tea and coffee. It is the chemical responsible for those feelings of alertness you may feel after drinking caffeinated beverages. The caffeine content of beverages and foods varies. Coffee has the most caffeine you will find in a beverage, barring energy drinks, which can contain more than twice the amount found in coffee. Green tea contains less caffeine. Both beverages offer some health benefits. However, some individuals may experience unpleasant symptoms such as dizziness from drinking caffeinated beverages.
Caffeine Content
The preparation method and steeping time can affect the caffeine content of coffee and green tea. The type of coffee used also affects the caffeine content. Coffee contains anywhere from 60 to 150 milligrams of caffeine per cup. Coffeehouse brands may contain over 150 milligrams. Green tea contains much less caffeine, at under 30 milligrams of caffeine per cup. A teabag, used to make a cup of tea, contains about a tablespoon of tea. There may be some variations between different brands, depending upon other additives to the tea such as ginseng or fruit. The caffeine of either beverage may provide health benefits in addition to helping you stay awake.
Health Benefits
Caffeine's effects vary with the individual. Some people may experience elevated heart and breathing rates. It may also increase your alertness and stave off sleep. Caffeine may provide other health benefits. A study by Wageningen University in the Netherlands, published in the March 2008 issue of “Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology,” found that coffee consumption reduced coronary calcification in female participants. This condition describes accumulation of calcium in coronary arteries that can lead to a heart attack or heart disease.
Weight Loss
The combination of coffee and green tea consumption may help your weight loss efforts. A study by Maastricht University in the Netherlands, published in the July 2005 issue of “Obesity Research,” found that habitual caffeine intake followed by green tea consumption reduced weight, fat mass and waist circumference. Researchers noted that these effects occurred because of greater fat burn and heat production in participants with high caffeine consumption of 150 milligrams of caffeine daily.
Guidelines for Use
Your body's reaction to caffeine determines if consumption of coffee or green tea is right for you. Some individuals may find that caffeine causes insomnia or headaches. Green tea consumption may also cause heartburn or nausea in some individuals. Others may experience an irregular heartbeat from caffeine's effects on the nervous system. If you have any of these side effects, you should reduce your consumption of caffeine. If you have high blood pressure, you should discuss caffeine consumption with your doctor because of its effects on heart rate.
References
- Neuroscience for Kids: Effects of Caffeine on the Nervous System
- MayoClinic.com; Caffeine Content for Coffee, Tea, Soda and More; Oct. 3, 2009
- "Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology"; Coffee Consumption and Coronary Calcification; G. van Woudenbergh, et al.; March 2008
- “Obesity Research"; Body Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance in Relation to Habitual Caffeine Intake and Green Tea Supplementation; M. Westerterp-Plantenga et al; July 2005
- Drugs.com; Green Tea; Jan. 10, 2011
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