DECAFFEINATED TEA: PROPERTIES AND BENEFITS

Decaffeinated tea takes on this denomination after having undergone a specific process which eliminates most of theine (which must be less than 2.5% of the starting content). 

Opting for this infusion in which the aromas and compounds of the tea remain intact means, among other things, enjoying some beneficial effects on health.

What is decaffeinated tea

To obtain decaffeinated tea, the leaves of the homonymous plant are mixed with liquid carbon dioxide subjected to high pressure and temperature, until it is transformed into a solvent which magnetizes the small molecules of theine present in the leaves and leaving behind the more soporific ones . 

In this sense it is important to underline that there are several online databases that provide estimates of the caffeine and theine content of certain foods such as coffee and tea. 

However, the amount in these brewed beverages can vary depending on specific factors such as where the coffee beans and tea leaves were grown, how they were harvested and when, what manufacturing process they underwent and how the final product is prepared

All tea can be decaffeinated and comes from a single plant whose botanical name is Camellia sinensis. 

The difference in the more well-known types of tea such as white, green and black tea is due to the way the leaves are treated after harvest. 

Properties and benefits of decaffeinated tea

Although the content of theine in tea is not comparable to that of coffee, it undoubtedly still contains significant quantities which in many cases could generate an unwanted stimulation or be counterproductive in case of heartburn, dehydration or heart problems. 

However, these side effects can be minimized by reducing theine by more than 90% . 

Among other things, this type of tea has a lower presence of antioxidants and polyphenols which provide health benefits. This means that there is a possibility that decaffeinated tea may not be as optimal for the body as regular tea, although it is important to note that research is ongoing to investigate this issue further. 

Having said that, however, it should be added that the positive side of decaffeinated tea can be found in the fact that it is essential for people who have a sensitivity to the substance or who need to eliminate it from their diet. 

For this reason it is possible to drink decaffeinated even before going to bed without running the risk of suffering from insomnia. 

Among other things, decaffeinated tea is very versatile and widely available both in loose form and in sachets, so it is possible to prepare it with the classic accessories that are used for normal tea. 

On the sidelines, it is worth adding that some people, just to enjoy tea in a more full-bodied way, opt to mix the normal one with the decaffeinated one.

Contraindications: is decaffeinated tea bad for you?

Most global health organizations generally recommend limiting caffeine and theine to 400mg per day or less, however there is some evidence that even up to 1200mg of the two substances per day can have health benefits. 

That said, the answer to the question of whether decaffeinated tea is bad is short and simple; in fact, it has no particular contraindications unless it is loaded with added sugars and fats. 

The latter are good in minimal doses while if excessive they are certainly not good for the body. 

Overall unless there is a specific health issue or sensitivity to the product, decaffeinated tea may be the best option for enjoying a hot or cold beverage at any time of day .

Decaffeinated tea in capsules

Decaffeinated tea like the classic one is available not only in the sieved type to be boiled in water, but also in capsule format , such as the DolceVita decaffeinated tea with lemon compatible with Nespresso® , A Modo Mio® and Dolce Gusto® . 

Either way, it has all the healthy antioxidant properties found in traditional tea. Every single cup you get is packed with antioxidants that help fight free radicals in the body that are suspected of causing some serious diseases. 

From this we can deduce that it is possible to enjoy health benefits by consuming decaffeinated tea (perhaps green tea) even in single-serving blends , thanks to the capsules of coffee machines, capable of giving a tasty and quick drink which then only requires be sweetened according to your tastes and needs.