Which tea has the most caffeine? If you are a tea lover then you should know how much of this invigorating substance is in your drink.
Yes, some teas contain caffeine that can also be found in coffee, guarana products, chocolate, cocoa, energy drinks, and other beverages.
Some products have it for relieving pain and lowering fever which are available without a prescription.
It is important to know what kind of tea has the most caffeine because you can overdose with it.
I will mention the tea that has this invigorating substance so you will be more careful with consumption.
Is there caffeine in tea as coffee?
Each real tea contains a bunch of antioxidants and tein which works similarly stimulating as caffeine.
It is the same if we say tein in tea or caffeine in tea. It is the same compound. However, real teas contain less of it than coffee.
Caffeine releasement
Do you know that caffeine in a cup of real tea will be releasing slower than with a cup of coffee? This is the main difference of caffeine in real teas and coffee.
Tannins (tannin) are responsible for slower releasement because they have an inhibitory effect on the digestion of caffeine.
This is why it is released in the bloodstream gradually. It is also why the caffeine effect lasts longer than with coffee.
All real teas are made from the plant Camellia Sinensis that has 5-6% of caffeine. And what does it do?
It stimulates the functioning of the metabolism, consequently helps in weight loss and maintenance of ideal body weight. Real teas have different amount of caffeine.
Caffeine effects
It lowers bad cholesterol and high blood pressure. It also protects our cardiovascular health in general.
Research has shown that people, who drink two or more cups of real tea a day, have 50 % less chance for heart attack.
In addition, it strengthens the immune system which has the most vital function in winter days.
Which tea has the most caffeine?
Black tea has the most caffeine among real teas. It originates from China where it was invented as a way to preserve its freshness because it was exported to other countries.
First, they wither freshly picked tea leaves so they lose a third of water.
Then they bent the soft flexible leaves which cause cracking of the cells and the release of enzymes. Thus fermentation process is enabled. It is crucial for the quality of black tea.
Intensive fermentation processes begin at 40° C and high relative humidity and last for several hours. In such a process leaves of black tea remain darker than other types of tea.
Caffeine in black tea vs coffee
There is less caffeine in black tea than in coffee. A cup of black tea has from 23-110 mg of the substance.
It will help you stimulate blood flow to the brain but it won’t affect your heart like coffee. Increased blood flow to the brain will improve your mental activity.
What is Caffeine?
According to the chemical structure, it is an alkaloid. In its pure form it is a crystalline substance, without smell and with a slightly bitter taste.
Caffeine is almost not insoluble in cold water but its solubility increases with temperature increase.
You can locate it in the seeds, leaves, and fruits of more than 60 different plants in various quantities.
It is a natural pesticide that repels insects. Famous plants that contain it are a coffee tree, tea tree, cocoa tree, guarana, and cola.
Benefits of caffeine in black tea
If you drink black tea you will consume caffeine. It will stimulate the activity of the central nervous system, improve mood, increase energy levels and improve muscle stimulation.
It will clear the mind and increase alertness to some extent, increase mental abilities and ability to concentrate.
Those effects vary from one individual to another and depend mostly on body weight, frequency of use, metabolic rate, physical activity and sensitivity to caffeine.
How does it work?
- Activates the central and sympathetic nervous system
- Improves muscle stimuli
- Increases the secretion of catecholamines (a stress hormone which increases the release of free fatty acids in the blood)
- Encourages and accelerates the metabolism of fats, which help preserve glycogen
- Raises the level of potassium in the blood
Caffeine and weight loss research
These days we see caffeine products that are advertised as an effective help in reducing body weight.
Studies have not confirmed the serious link between increased intake of caffeine and a noticeable reduction in body weight, although there are some theories that link it with weight loss.
- Caffeine can depress the appetite for a short time but it isn’t confirmed that long-term use leads to a significant decrease in body weight.
- It can also accelerate thermogenesis but this is probably not enough for the visual effects of weight loss.
- It is a diuretic so your body will lose more water. This means a decrease in body weight, not fat loss. Watch out with consuming various drinks with high caffeine content. This can be double-edged sword since these drinks are often rich in calories and fat which may even gain weight.
How Much Caffeine per Day is Enough?
A healthy adult can consume between 100 and 250 mg of caffeine per day, this is a safe dose.
Doses greater than 300 mg depended on the weight of the individual and his habit to caffeine, can already cause some side effects.
These are restlessness, nervousness, excitement, insomnia, flushing of the face, increased urination, gastrointestinal disturbance, muscle spasms, abnormal heart rhythm, disjointed thoughts and speech.
Caffeine overdose
1000 mg of the substance can already cause serious poisoning, which can even end with death. It is especially dangerous for people with heart rhythm disturbances.
Caffeine side-effects
While some stimulants such as nicotine are classified as an addictive substance, caffeine is considered safe. Experts argue that it can’t addict us.
Nevertheless, it can cause headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, nausea, and muscle pain if we drink caffeine beverages regularly.
It takes 5-6 hours for the body to eliminate only half the caffeine you consume.
An afternoon cup of black or other real tea can disturb your sleep. This effect may last even longer with people who are more sensitive to the substance.
Caffeine and pregnancy
There was many studies taken about drinking caffeine in pregnancy but they show quite conflicting results. Nevertheless, all experts agree that pregnant women should reduce its intake.
Some studies have shown that large amounts increase the chances of miscarriage and interfere with fetus development.
Do you love drinking real teas?
Are you drinking black tea in the morning to wake you up? This is a great way for activating your brains. It has the most caffeine amount among real teas.
Green and white tea follows. The substance has several health benefits but you should watch out that you don’t consume it too much.
This is especially important if you are caffeine sensitive. You can still enjoy your favorite drink but listen to your body.
If you feel nervous and you have increased heartbeat you should decrease its intake. The stimulant is also not recommended with alcohol so don’t practice it.
I recommend that you enjoy 3-4 cups of caffeine tea (black tea) per day and not more. All exaggerations harm us, right?
