For many people, morning is inextricably linked with a cup of invigorating tea. And not in vain, because this drink, brewed from dried tea tree leaves, contains caffeine - a substance that drives away sleep and sets you up for active work.
What is caffeine
From a medical point of view, caffeine is a psychomotor stimulant. It has an invigorating effect - it dilates blood vessels, stimulates the autonomic nervous system, reduces the rate of fatigue, increases body temperature, increases activity and heart rate, increases blood pressure, improves metabolism and drives sleep. Caffeine is found in a variety of foods, but most of it is found in tea leaves and coffee beans. However, the amount of this compound varies depending on the type of tea, as well as on the place of its growth and the quality of the raw materials.
In addition to caffeine, tea tree leaves also contain tannin, a substance that softens its effect. Therefore, tea, unlike coffee, is not addictive.
Green tea
The record holder for the amount of caffeine is green tea. Contrary to the common misconception that black tea is richer and more invigorating, while green tea, on the contrary, helps to relax, a cup of this drink contains 80-85 milligrams of caffeine (for comparison, a hundred grams of espresso has a little more than 220 milligrams of caffeine). However, such high rates are provided only by high-quality green tea without flavors. Milk tea, flavored tea, and tea with added buds and fruit pieces will no longer be as invigorating, although probably no less tasty.
Often mothers give small children green tea, believing that, unlike black tea, it is not as strong. It should be remembered that caffeine is contraindicated in babies, and it is better to limit yourself to special herbal decoctions.
Black tea
Caffeine is also present in black tea. In a cup of a strong brewed drink, for the preparation of which high-quality raw materials were used, there will be about 70 milligrams of it. However, this also applies only to black unflavored tea. In drinks with lemon, bergamot and other delicacies, the amount of caffeine is significantly less.
White tea
Not so long ago, another type of tea appeared on the shelves of Russian stores - white. Tea tree leaves are minimally stressed in order to retain the maximum amount of nutrients. In terms of the degree of fermentation, this tea is in second place after green, but the caffeine content in it is lower than in black or green.
If you want to drink a delicious drink, but you do not want to consume caffeine, look at rooibos, as well as herbal teas. There is practically no caffeine in them.
