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Tea Health Benefits

Effects of Caffeine on The Human Body 

May 24, 2022

Caffeine is what so many of us use to get through our day…but do you really know what it’s doing to your body? Studies have shown that caffeine is neutral, or even beneficial in small doses. However, drinking it in excess can lead to serious health complications. Below, we’re covering the effects of caffeine on the human body by each system, and calling awareness to foods that have hidden caffeine — and that should be consumed in moderation. 

What is caffeine? 

Caffeine can be found either naturally, such as in tea, or artificially — such as in energy drinks or other beverages like soft drinks. In the body, it directly affects the brain’s uptake of a compound called adenosine. Adenosine works actively to make us feel drowsy, and will be secreted naturally at the end of the day, and rises in concentrations until we eventually fall asleep. By blocking the receptors that accept adenosine, caffeine is very effective at keeping you awake. 

What are the effects of caffeine on the human body? 

Beyond what we have discussed, there are many other effects that caffeine has on the human body. We’ve explained them systematically below: 

The cardiovascular system

Caffeine’s effects on heart rates are well known. In excess, you can experience palpitations, hypertension, and other complications from caffeine, either natural or artificial. The reason why caffeine has a direct effect on your heart is due to its ability to stimulate the “fight or flight” compounds in the body: noradrenaline and norepinephrine. This can be dangerous if you build up a tolerance over time, and begin boosting your intake to feel the same effects that you once did. 

The digestive system 

Caffeine is known to stimulate your digestive system and can aid in motility-related problems. The result of this is that food and beverages will move much quicker through the digestive tract, and can result in loose stool passing quickly through your colon. This only happens in some people, as others may not be as sensitive to its effects, or may have built up a tolerance over time. 

The neurological system 

What many may not know about caffeine is its direct effects on the neurological system. Overall, caffeine intake can reduce blood flow to the brain, but boost the amount of energy that it expends. It also triggers the release of dopamine in the brain. This stimulates the reward centers and pleasure centers, making you feel satisfied. It’s no wonder that so many people are dependent on their first cup of morning coffee! 

The skeletal system 

Caffeine consumption can block the absorption of calcium in your bones, which can put you at risk for conditions such as osteoporosis, or recurring fracture. It also actively lowers your bone mineral density, which makes your bones more porous over time. There are also ongoing studies that point to the potential correlation of caffeine consumption and obesity rates, as it may inhibit the body’s natural weight regulation processes. 

Is caffeine bad for you? 

Caffeine isn’t inherently bad for you, especially when consumed in moderation. The risk of caffeine comes with overconsumption, as with anything else. In fact, caffeine actually has some benefits that you can enjoy with your daily cup, including: 

  • Memory: You can get a hearty memory boost when you enjoy caffeine, and also get a powerful jolt of energy. That’s why so many people enjoy a morning cup of coffee or tea, as it can help you to feel energized, alert, and ready to take on your day. 
  • Preventative wellness: Enjoying caffeine regularly through tea or coffee is linked to lower rates of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Research continues to be ongoing to discover additional effects. 

If you’re looking to cut down your consumption of caffeine, you’re likely wondering how much caffeine your daily cup of tea has. Caffeination levels in tea aren’t generally calculated with exacting formulas and science. They are estimated and rounded to get you the most accurate level possible. It also depends entirely on your blend of tea. If you’re drinking a cup of loose leaf black tea, you’re likely averaging 47mg of caffeine per cup.

What foods have naturally occurring caffeine in them? 

There are a variety of food and beverages that have naturally occurring caffeine in them, including: 

  • Chocolate 
  • Black tea
  • White tea
  • Green tea
  • Guarana 
  • Coffee

If you’re looking to avoid caffeine, you can opt for caffeine-free versions of these foods, or avoid them entirely. There are plenty of loose leaf herbal tea options online and or decaf teas you can find too. Ultimately, it’s finding what works for you in your journey of a full caffeine or free of caffeine lifestyle, but likely you’re somewhere in the middle!

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Tea Health Benefits

Caffeine Content in Tea and How It’s Determined

March 21, 2022
how much caffeine is in tea

Each day, billions of people rely on caffeine to wake up, or to get through a work shift or that dreaded 3 pm afternoon slump. In fact, this natural stimulant is one of the most commonly used ingredients in the world. Eighty percent of the world’s population consumes a caffeinated product each day, and this number goes up to 90% for adults in North America. So what is caffeine and how does caffeine in tea effect us?

What is caffeine?

Caffeine is a natural stimulant most commonly found in tea, coffee, and cacao plants. When you consume caffeine, it blocks the effects of adenosine, which is a neurotransmitter that relaxes the brain and makes you feel tired. Adenosine levels build up throughout the day, making you increasingly more tired and causing you to want to go to sleep. Caffeine helps you stay awake by connecting to adenosine receptors in the brain without activating them. This blocks the effects of adenosine, leading to reduced tiredness.

What is the difference in tea and coffee?

Put simply, the caffeine in tea and coffee are digested differently. The caffeine in tea binds with an amino acid called L-theanine. This bond is what makes tea caffeine act in a slower, more controlled way. Instead of a relatively short, intense burst of energy like you would get from coffee, you get a prolonged, slow-release form of energy. You won’t notice a burst of energy, sweaty palms or jitters. But you’ll become much calmer, and focused.

The way coffee works is that it gives you a nice jolt of energy a couple of minutes after ingesting it, and you will almost suddenly feel awake. You’ll notice the coffee is working if you’re starting to get a bit jittery, possibly a bit sweaty, and feel like you have to do everything at once. This is because the caffeine from coffee passes right into the bloodstream, and has a very powerful direct effect. There is no gentleness, just a direct need to get up and do something.

What determines the caffeine content in tea?

There are a handful of factors that determine how much caffeine is in each cup of tea you make. They range from steep time, water temperature, the amount of tea leaf used, harvest time and type of leaf used. Any tea that is a true tea that comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant will have some level of caffeine in it. Additionally, the shorter time you steep your tea, the less caffeine you will have in that cup.

Which teas have the highest and lowest levels of caffeine?

Black tea typically has the most caffeine of all the tea types. One of the reasons for this is a longer infusion time versus green along with higher steeping temperatures, typically boiling. Because black tea is oxidized, it allows more caffeine to be extracted from the leaf versus other types of tea. Matcha is another tea that is high up on the list of most caffeinated tea drinks due to the fact that you consume the entire leaf. Herbal teas (which are teas that are not from the Camellia Sinesis plant) will have little to no caffeine in them.

Daily caffeine consumption.

Daily recommended caffeine should be about 400 milligrams, which is 4 “cups” of coffee, but cups being 8 ounces, it really means 2 large cups to a lot of people. With black tea coming in around half the caffeine as coffee (45 per cup versus 90 for coffee) you can enjoy a lot more tea throughout the day.

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Types of Tea

The Best Teas to Boost Your Immune System

January 14, 2022

Tea has been used in herbal medicine to treat minor illnesses for thousands of years. Tea is great for your immune system. It is high in antioxidants and is a great source of hydration! Many teas have antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help to prevent you from getting sick. If you’re afraid you’ve already caught a bug, tea can also help to soothe your body and ease symptoms while you recover. From ginger teas to herbal infusions that you can make at home, we’re breaking it down so that you can be ahead of the cold seasons!

Ginger Tea

Ginger is a flowering plant that originated in Southeast Asia. It’s among the healthiest spices on the planet. Ginger teas contain antimicrobial properties that can help to boost your immune system and keep you safe and healthy. It’s also been shown that ginger can help reduce stress and we all know how stress can wreak havoc on our immune system! Ginger imparts a slightly sweet, slightly spicy flavor to tea blends, and is a popular ingredient in both caffeinated and herbal teas. Some of our favorites are lemon ginger herbal tea and our ginger black.

Peppermint Tea

Peppermint is an aromatic herb in the mint family that is a cross between watermint and spearmint. It is another popular herbal tea that can be consumed on its own or as an ingredient in both caffeinated and herbal blends. Peppermint is cool, minty, and soothing – the perfect thing when you’re feeling under the weather. Studies have shown that peppermint has antimicrobial and antiviral properties that can help ward off illness. It’s also high in antioxidants along with a variety of other health benefits such as improving energy and relieving headaches.

Cinnamon Tea

Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Antioxidants fight off oxidation caused by free radicals, which are molecules that damage your cells and contribute to diseases. Compounds found in cinnamon tea can fight off bacteria and fungi. It controls blood sugar levels and blood pressure, promotes heart health and also reduces pain caused by menstrual cramps. Adding honey to your cinnamon tea infusion can not only add flavor, but also has antioxidants and enzymes that help one heal from within. It also has antibacterial properties that ward off infections and damaging cells from the body.

Lemongrass Tea

 Lemon grass has anti-bacterial & anti-fungal properties that help you cope with cold, cough and flu and is loaded with vitamin c that strengthens immunity. Lemongrass also has antioxidant properties that kill free radicals that cause diseases in the body. Its antimicrobial functions treat oral infections and cavities. A cup of lemongrass tea can do wonders for an upset stomach, cramping, or other digestive issues. Our dragonfruit white is infused with lemongrass to create a one of a kind cup to sip on.

Green Tea

Green tea has been consumed for centuries for its beneficial properties. Green teas are rich in anti-oxidants called Polyphenols. Polyphenols are efficient infection fighters. They protect the body against potential viruses, infections and sickness. Green tea blended with Tulsi, Mulethi and Ginger help keep diseases like asthma, lung infection, cough etc at bay, while flavours like Ashwagandha and Nettle Leaves impede the growth of cancer cells in the body and stimulate the lymphatic system. The anti-oxidants of green tea help rid the body of free radicals, and make the liver healthy.

White Tea

The benefits of white tea are no secret. From chefs to medical researchers, everybody praises the sweet flavour and health benefits of this tea. Studies say that white teas are helpful in reducing risks of cancer and cardio vascular diseases. It is rich in polyphenols, tannin and flavonoids. The antioxidants work on protecting the various organs of the body, while also eliminate free radicals that can potentially damage blood cells, DNA and collagen. White tea may also provide some relief from diabetic symptoms by decreasing your plasma glucose levels and increase insulin secretion. Antibacterial properties of this tea can help fight against infections while it’s soothing effects aid in relief from insomnia, stress and fatigue. Incorporating white tea into our habitual morning rituals is a great way to reinforce your immune system and begin your day.

While tea is full of health benefits, it isn’t a replacement for professional medical treatment. You should always seek the help of a medical professional if you think you’re suffering from a serious illness. That said, tea has many benefits to help prevent you from getting sick and help you through the process when you are under the weather.

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Tea Health Benefits

Aphrodisiac Herbal Teas For Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2017

If you and your Valentine are looking for ways to add even more spice to the romantic holiday, consider sipping on an herbal tea that doubles as an aphrodisiac. According to a study from Ontario, Canada’s University of Guelph Department of Food Science, the following herbs will improve human sexual function: panax ginseng, saffron, and yohimbe. The study also found that consuming the following herbs increased sexual desire in humans: the Brazilian plant muira puama, the mustard plant maca root, and cacao aka chocolate. Armed with this information, we set out to find herbal teas made from these plants in order to increase you and your loved one’s sexual appetite or enhance your performance in the boudoir. Enjoy!

1) Panax Ginseng Tea

Ginseng is a root that has two main varieties: American ginseng (panax quinquefolius) and Asian or Korean ginseng (panax ginseng). According to WebMD, American ginseng is “less stimulating” than Korean ginseng. And on Valentine’s Day, we’re going for stimulating. You can apply panax ginseng directly to the penis as a homeopathic way to curb premature ejaculation, but if you’d prefer to drink something, look no further than a panax ginseng tea. Get your panax ginseng tea shipped directly from South Korea with Korean Red Ginseng Root Tea from kkumsa, or opt for looseleaf ginseng tea from Bulgaria or panax ginseng tea bags from Terra Vita.

2) Saffron Tea

Saffron is a purple flower whose red stigmas are used to make medicines and, in our case, tea. While saffron is used to increase sexual desire, WebMd cautions that it may also cause sweating, so be prepared. Terra Vita produces loose leaf saffron tea, Buddha Teas offers a saffron and green tea, and GourmetFood.com carries a number of saffron tea fusions that pair saffron with flavors like peach, mango, cinnamon, citrus, and hibiscus.

3) Yohimbe Tea

Yohimbe is an evergreen tree native to central and western Africa. Its bark contains the chemical yohimbine, which increases blood flow to and activates nerves in the penis and vagina. If you’re looking for a tea that will make you tingle, reach for a yohimbe blend. Tea Haven sells Yohimbe Bark Tea in a variety of blends, as does Terra Vita.

4) Muira Puama Tea

Muira Puama is a tree that grows in the Amazon rainforest that also goes by the name “potency wood.” That sounds promising… This tree’s bark and root have been used medicinally for centuries, and today, the herb is used to curb erectile dysfunction and boost sexual desire. Terra Vita sells muira puama tea, as do Tea Haven and Gift From Nature.

5) Maca Root Tea

Maca is a Peruvian plant in the mustard/cabbage family that grows in the Andes Mountains. Its root has been used to treat erectile dysfunction and boost libido. Moringa Source sells maca tea bags, and Buddha Teas whips up Organic Maca Tea as well. Bonus: it smells like butterscotch!

6) Chocolate Tea

We’ve saved the best (known) for last: chocolate! Chocolate not only tastes great, it may increase your desire to get it on. Slight downer: the study from the University of Guelph found that while eating chocolate increased sexual desire, it did not yield actual arousal or satisfaction. So you’ll have to rely on your own skills in that department. There are a bevy of chocolate teas on the market, including: Tazo’s Cocoa Mint Maté, Bigelow’s Chocoalte Chai Tea, and Arbor Teas’ Organic Chocolate Pu Erh Tea.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Tea Guides

How Much Caffeine Are You Drinking in Your Tea?

March 28, 2016

Although we can estimate how much caffeine will be in your cup of tea, determining this amount never comes down to an exact science. Many factors play into how much of a kick you can get from your daily brew. Caffeine occurs naturally in tea, but the content varies based on growing variances, manufacturing, steeping times and brewing conditions. So whether you’re looking to give yourself a boost for that late night study session or sip on a soothing blend before bed, check out our definitive ranking of tea based on caffeine level to know just how much you’re drinking:

Herbal Tea (0mg)

If you want to relax with a toasty cup before bed, then herbal tea is definitely the way to go. Herbal teas are a great way to enjoy the benefits from tea’s antioxidants while avoiding the jittery feelings that often accompany caffeine intake. Herbal varieties are typically all-natural, made from various plant materials including the leaves, stems, roots and flowers from plants other than the Camellia Sinensis. Another benefit? Herbal teas don’t pose the risk of having addictive qualities, as is typically common with caffeinated beverages. However, if you’re still craving a little caffeine throughout the day, try substituting one cup a day with an herbal blend.

Decaf Tea (2-6mg)

Now you’re probably wondering,”how and why is there any caffeine in decaffeinated tea anyways?” Well, it’s important to note that decaffeinated does not mean the same thing as caffeine-free. Decaffeinated tea typically refers to black or green tea that has had most of its natural caffeine removed through processes that involve either the soaking or filtration of the leaves. But rest assured, the amount is almost negligible – by law, decaf tea must have less than 2.5% of its original caffeine level. So go ahead and brew another cup, it won’t keep you up at night.

White Tea (10-15mg)

White teas are the least processed of all teas, releasing minimal amounts of caffeine from their leaves while giving off a very subtle and silky taste. Though typically lower in caffeine content than its more processed counterparts, there can still be a wide range. However, white teas are usually blended with different herbs which bring down the caffeine level. White tea is a good option at anytime of the day, boasting little to no negative side effects.

Green Tea (20-35mg)

Green tea works as a great midday pick-me-up. Its moderately low caffeine level produces a very steady effect when consumed, causing no peaks or plunges. It is also considered an effective meditative aid, acting as a mild stimulant without causing any insomnia or jitters. The benefits of green tea are also numerous, so if you want to drink two or three servings a day, I’m not stopping you…

Oolong Tea (30-50mg)

Oolong tea is halfway between green and black teas, both in caffeine and oxidation levels. It has the body and complexity of a black tea while still maintaining the brightness of a green tea, making it a favorite among tea connoisseurs. Its caffeine content is both healthy and palatable, so it can provide a nice boost without the risk of crashing later in the day.

Black Tea (40-60mg)

Black tea is the strongest and most caffeinated of all the tea varieties. It acts as the perfect way to awaken your senses and kickstart your day. Chai tea is on the lower end of the caffeine spectrum while more processed blends can release higher levels. If you’re worried about too much caffeine, don’t stress; black tea still pales in comparison to the ridiculous caffeine content in coffee (just another reason why tea will always prevail).

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