Did you know that tea could be a better stimulant than coffee, because its caffeine concentration is lower, and it doesn’t lead to jitters, restlessness, and anxiety?
Here are some common types of tea and their typical caffeine content:
Black Tea:
- Contains the highest caffeine content among all types of tea.
- Generally, it has 40-70 mg of caffeine per cup.
Green Tea:
- Contains a moderate amount of caffeine.
- Generally, it has around 20-45 mg of caffeine per cup.
White Tea:
- Has a slightly lower caffeine content.
- Contains around 15-30 mg of caffeine per cup.
Oolong Tea:
- The caffeine content can vary widely, generally falling between green and black tea.
- Typically contains 30-50 mg of caffeine per cup.
Herbal Tea:
Most herbal teas (like chamomile, mint, or rooibos) are not true teas and typically are caffeine-free.
Matcha:
- A type of powdered green tea that can contain a bit more caffeine than regular green tea.
- It might have 30-50 mg per serving, but it can vary.
Coffee:
A regular cup of coffee contains, on average, about 95 mg of caffeine, but it can range anywhere from 70 to 140 mg.
Jitters and anxiety
The main downside of coffee is that it can lead to jitters, restlessness, and anxiety.
Not with tea. Here are the reasons:
1. Tea can potentially lead to jitters, restlessness, and anxiety, but it’s generally less likely to do so compared to coffee due to its lower caffeine content.
2. Many teas, especially green tea, contain an amino acid called L-theanine, which has calming and relaxing effects. L-theanine can counteract some of the stimulating effects of caffeine, reducing the likelihood of jitters and anxiety.
Antioxidants
Tea also has amazing antioxidant benefits for your health. Antioxidants are substances that protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause aging, inflammation, and diseases. Green tea is one of the richest sources of antioxidants, especially a type called catechins, which have been shown to improve blood flow, lower cholesterol, prevent cancer, and boost brain function.
Conclusion
For most people, tea could be a better stimulant than coffee.
The calming effects of L-theanine found in tea offers a more balanced and moderated stimulation.
Individuals with high sensitivity to caffeine should monitor their reactions to different types of teas and adjust their consumption accordingly.
My take
I don’t trink coffee, but I’m interested in a mild stimulation throughout my workday.
That’s why I have started to drink green tea, inspired by Marc Andreessen (@pmarca), and I’m very happy with this decision so far.
How about you?
Are you a coffee or tea drinker? Do you have jitters and anxiety? Share your story as a reply to my X post.
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