Caffeine and theine, are they the same? Get to know its effects and properties
In general, when talking about theine and caffeine, it is believed that two different substances are being referred to. Find out what is true about it.
Does tea have caffeine and theine?
A recurring question among tea drinkers is whether tea has caffeine and theine, or whether both caffeine and theine components are the same or not. The answer, despite the existing misinformation, is clear: they are the same molecule.
Caffeine was actually isolated in 1819, but at the time tea was thought to contain a similar but different substance: theine.
But later analysis revealed that it was the same substance. Perhaps what is difficult to understand is that more than a century later the confusion persists among most people.
What is caffeine?
Caffeine is an alkaloid found naturally in various foods such as coffee, tea, cocoa, guarana and yerba mate.
The polyphenols present in large amounts in tea slow down the absorption rate of caffeine, which is why its effect is slower but more lasting in tea than in coffee.
It is important to clarify that both coffee and tea have many more molecules than caffeine and that they all interact with each other and offset, moderate or nuance their effects. Unfortunately, very little is still known about most of them, with the exception of caffeine and the antioxidants in tea, mainly catechins. Therefore, many reports about the effects of a tea component do not necessarily extrapolate from the effects of the tea drink itself.
Caffeine properties and medicinal uses
Stimulates physical and mental activity
Increase mental focus
Develop mental acuity
It helps you lose weight
Yellow tea
To consume 200 milligrams of caffeine it is necessary to take:
0.7 kg of milk chocolate
0.5 liters of coffee made by drip machines (through filter paper)
0.15 liters of espresso if the coffee is strong (normal in bad coffee shops)
1.18 liters of black tea
1.77 liters of soft drink (variable amount according to the soft drink)
2.36 liters of green tea
11.82 liters of decaffeinated coffee
Of course, thein also has its adverse effects or contraindications.
Caffeine concentration in coffee and tea
The concentration of caffeine varies greatly depending on the type of coffee or tea and how it is prepared. Within coffee, wholegrain coffee has a significantly higher concentration of caffeine than Arabica coffee.
The concentration of teas varies greatly, and it is not easy to determine which type contains less than another, as intuition usually fails. There are no tea colorants, the concentration of which is in all cases higher than that of other colors, depending on the specific type of tea.
It should also be borne in mind that it is not only the concentration of this substance that determines the knowledge of the effects caffeine and theinebut also its combination with other components.
Camellia sinensis teas that contain very little caffeine are Bancha green tea, Kukicha green tea.
On the other hand, other teas, such as guarana, have their own combination of components. That is why they produce different effects.
A foolproof trick for reducing the theine in your tea
A trick to reducing the theine in your tea without suffering the adverse effects of theine is this: since caffeine dissolves quickly in the hot water when it is infused, leave the tea in the hot water for 30 seconds.
Then discard the water and put hot water again. In this way, you can significantly reduce the dose of caffeine consumed.
Another theine-free tea option is Rooibos. Although it has the taste, appearance and properties of varieties that come from Camellia Sinensis, Rooibos tea is not tea. And that’s why he doesn’t have the contraindications that teas themselves have.
Recipes for drinks and caffeine smoothies
Tea and coffee taken as a hot drink are not the only ways to benefit from caffeine. Check out other healthy and delicious options.
Frappuccino or coffee frappe. This frozen version of cappuccino can easily be taken as a dessert. You can make it with ice, with whipped cream and even with ice cream. Delicious!
Coffee granita. This is another frappuccino alternative that will also delight you with the taste of frozen coffee. The difference is that it’s not just iced coffee, you have to brew it with a lot of ice to give it that “frozen” consistency.
Black tea and fruit compote. Choose the seasonal fruits you like the most and prepare this easy compote in a few minutes. You can have it warm or cold to enjoy a delicious and nutritious light dessert.
Tea cakes. You have several options to make these delicious muffins, perfect when you want to entertain guests who come to your home for tea. You can make them with red tea, Earl Grey, Matcha or whatever variety you prefer.
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