Tea is one of the most consumed drinks on the planet. It’s right up there with water and coffee!
When you look at the health benefits, it’s easy to see why. Tea is a medicinal superfood. But what about decaffeinated tea? Is it just as nutritious?
Definitely. The only major difference is the caffeine. In an 8-ounce cup of normal tea, you’ll get 14 to 60 mg of caffeine.1 But a cup of decaf tea can have little to none. For example, decaffeinated black tea has 2 mg, while decaffeinated green tea has zero.2 3
The perks aren’t in the caffeine, meaning decaf tea is just as healthy. Drinking a cup will give you these seven remarkable benefits.
1. Fights Oxidative Stress
Tea is known for its high antioxidant content. It’s all because of polyphenols like catechins and epicatechins. These plant chemicals are found in red, black, and especially, green tea.
Polyphenols neutralize dangerous molecules called oxidants.4 This decreases oxidative stress – a process that’s responsible for diseases like cancer, lung failure, and Alzheimer’s.5 6
2. Relieves Anxiety
Feeling anxious? Brew yourself a cup of black or green tea. You’ll reap the benefits of theanine – a stress-busting amino acid.
Theanine can easily cross the blood-brain barrier. It acts on serotonin and dopamine – two neurotransmitters that control your mood. The result? Calmness and relaxation.7
The lack of caffeine will also help. A high intake may actually cause anxiety, so it’s a good idea to avoid too much.8 Drinking decaffeinated tea is the perfect solution.
3. Improves Mental Health
Drinking tea will help out your noggin. In humans, theanine boosts learning and memory. This amino acid can even increase selective attention, making it easier to focus on specific tasks.9
To top it off, green tea enhances the connections between neurotransmitters. This will ward off neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Caffeine might dampen these effects. However, by drinking decaf tea, you’ll soak up the benefits without worrying about caffeine.10
4. Regulates Blood Sugar
Polyphenols keep your blood sugar in check. A high intake increases insulin sensitivity – a process needed to reduce blood glucose.11
Tea is an amazing source of polyphenols – even without caffeine! It can play a major role in diabetes prevention. But if you’re already diabetic, the polyphenols will still control your condition.12
5. Lowers Heart Disease Risk
By fighting oxidative stress, tea protects your arteries. This way, they can stay strong and promote healthy blood flow. It’s exactly what you need to ward off heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.13
Tea may also improve blood pressure and cholesterol – two major factors. The effect is even greater in those with hypertension. Again, it’s all thanks to the catechins.14
6. Strengthens Immune System
As you can see, tea controls the risk factors of specific diseases. Yet, it can also build your overall immunity. This will give you even more protection against sickness.
For instance, green tea has an active compound called epigallocatechin-3-gallate. It’s known for giving white blood cells a boost.15 Black and red teas have similar effects.16
7. Allows Normal Sleep Schedule
Decaffeinated tea has little to no caffeine. You can enjoy the benefits on this list – even at night! You won’t have to worry about bedtime.
It’s always a good idea to avoid caffeine before sleeping. Otherwise, you’ll be at a risk for insomnia and restlessness.17 But with decaf tea, you can enjoy a warm cup in bed.
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