When comparing the antioxidants [...]]]> It has been well established that green tea has many health benefits. It increases your energy, speeds up weight loss, bolsters up your immune system, and calms the nerves. It aids in preventing various cancers, helps to regulate your cholesterol by combating plaque in the arteries, and fights viruses like the flu.

When comparing the antioxidants and the flavanols in decaf versus regular green teas, these healthy components suffer a serious loss in the decaffeinated teas. There are still some left, and you would have to drink two or three times as much of the decaffeinated tea to pick up the antioxidants and flavanols again.

Before you make the decision to switch, consider some other pertinent factors. There are around eighty-five mgs of caffeine in your mug of fresh coffee, where green tea contains less than forty. Catechins (polyphenol antioxidants) are lost by decaffeination. Unless you have health problems that require eliminating caffeine from your diet, a reasonable amount caffeine is good for you. It makes you feel both more energetic and more alert. And caffeinated green tea contains more flavor, as well.

The two main processes used for decaffeination are ethyl acetate and carbon dioxide. Of the two, the carbon dioxide method is more desirable, as it retains more of the flavonols and antioxidants. The ethyl acetate method is used more frequently, though, and leaves a residue of solvent in the tea when decaffeination is completed. However, the level of solvent is considered safe for you to drink, and in fact, it does occur naturally in tea in very small amounts.

If you have made the decision to stay with regular green tea, there are a few things you can do to combat the effects of caffeine. For one thing, drinking it with food slows the absorption of the caffeine. The different varieties of green teas have different amounts of caffeine, and vastly different flavors. Some of the Japanese teas are lower in caffeine than the Chinese teas. Explore them!

It is also beneficial to brew your tea properly. The best tea to use is a loose leaf, fresh tea of good quality. Read the container for directions. It will surprise you to see that most teas do not suggest boiling water, but rather a very hot water, at about 170 degrees. Brewed correctly, several cups a day would not exceed the caffeine limits recommended by experts.

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