Caffeine is a stimulant that is active in tea. Green tea has less caffeine than black tea, due to the oxidation process of black tea. The caffeine in tea is released gradually into the bloodstream and doesn't make you jittery like the caffeine from coffee. Caffeine can have both positive and negative effects on the body. Caffeine increases the body's metabolism for up to four hours, which may be part of tea's weight loss attributes (don't drink your tea with sugar if your intention is weight loss). It is also known to heighten mental alertness.

Caffeine can increase PMS symptoms and exacerbate cystic growth in some women. For those affected, caffeine intake must be monitored. While some believe that up to two small cups of tea a day is acceptable during pregnancy, others believe that caffeine should be avoided altogether, including up to a month prior to conception. There are decaffeinated products for those who are caffeine sensitive. You can also decaffeinate your own tea.

TO DECAFFEINATE YOUR TEA

Add hot water to loose leaves and steep for 2-3 minutes. Discard the liquid. This first brew contains most of the caffeine of the tea.
Add water to your teapot and let steep for 2-3 minutes and drink that infusion that has only small amounts of caffeine. Over 80% of the caffeine is removed during the first wash of the leaves.

PREMIUM TEA MAKES PREMIUM TEA

REFERENCES

Chow, K. & Kramer, I. (1990). All the Tea in China. San Francisco: China Books & Periodicals.

Mitscher, L. A. & Dolby, V. (1998). The Green Tea Book. Garden City Park, NY: Avery Publishing Group.

Oppliger, P. (1997). Green Tea. Essex, United Kingdom: C.W. Daniel Company.

Rosen, D. (1998). The Book of Green Tea. Pownal, VT: Storey Books.

Taylor, N. (1998). Green Tea. New York: Kensington Books.

Zittlau, J. (1999). Green Tea for Health & Vitality. New York: Sterling Publishing.