2013.03.08
Caffeine in Green Tea
Caffeine is the nutrient that many people know and are familiar with. It was discovered in coffee in 1819 by a German doctor named Runge. Later on, in 1827, it was discovered in green tea. Caffeine in green tea leaves has slightly bitter flavor. Caffeine will be absorbed in our body quickly, about 30 minutes after drinking tea. In approximately 1 hour, the level of caffeine in blood will reach its peak. This substance will stimulate the central nervous system, making you feel bright and alert. It stimulates the heart and the kidney and is diuretic. Besides, it encourages the release of acid in the stomach and aids digestion and food absorption. Caffeine also helps burn fat.
Caffeine seems to be a very active substance. However, green tea leaves also have theanine, an amino acid which helps counteract the effect of caffeine. Moreover, we can also adjust the method of tea making to pull out certain nutrients in tea leaves as we want. For example, when we want tea with a lot of caffeine, we will use hot water at the temperature of higher than 80 degrees Celsius since caffeine will dissolve into the tea better if the temperature is higher than 80 degrees Celsius or just let the tea sit in the hot water longer than usual (more than 1 minute).
On the other hand, if we want tea which has tasty flavor and low caffeine, we will use less hot water at the temperature of 70 degrees Celsius and leave the tea in there for about 1 minute. The tea will be sweet and aromatic and not bitter.
If you know about the nutrients in green tea, you can make tea which suits your preference, your routine or your need of nutrients at certain times. Green tea can both stimulate and calm, which is the charm of this tea.
