Green Tea Caffeine

The caffeine in green tea is less than what you will find in an equal cup of coffee.  But to those that are sensitive to the stimulant, you still need to be aware that each 8 ounce cup contains between 10mg and 40mg of caffeine.

The variation has to do with the age of the leaves, when they are harvested from the plant and even their position on the plant.  Most companies give you an “average” content, if they list the content, at all.  Steep time also affects the caffeine-content.  Longer steeps give you a richer flavor, but they also give you more of the stimulant.

As far as the bottled beverages go, the average caffeine-content is very low, around 10mg per bottle.  But, the actual amount of green tea in those bottles is also very low.  Many companies add sugar, artificial flavors and colors.  They don’t use much of the actual plant.

So, if what you want are the health benefits, without worrying about the caffeine in green tea, the best choice is a good supplement.  The supplements contain the extracts, which provide the antioxidants known as catechins.

Catechins are unique to the camellia sinensis plant (from which both black and green teas are derived) and some cocoa plants.  If you’ve seen the claim about how chocolate is supposed to be good for your health, the companies are basing those claims on the catechin-content of the cocoa.  Whether or not a chocolate bar would actually be rich in catechins is really anybody’s guess.

The companies are not required to measure the amount that is present or list it on the label.  If you’re worried about the caffeine in green tea, you should know that the stimulant is also found in chocolates.  The plants produce it as an insect repellant.

How many catechins are needed to help prevent heart disease and cancer?  The amount varies depending on your age and the current state of your health.  One of the naturopathic doctors that I trust recommends a 60mg extract, which provides 48mg of catechins.  He also recommends a variety of other supplements.

Source : articlesbase