What is it in your coffee, tea or hot chocolate drink that perks you up? Are you aware that there is also such a thing as green tea ( Ryokucha ) caffeine? That cup of goodness is also loaded with a dose of caffeine and can therefore work as a morning stimulant too.

Caffeine is found in varying quantities in the seeds, leaves, and fruit of some plants, where it acts as a natural pesticide that paralysis and kills certain insects feeding on the plants. In humans, caffeine acts as a central nervous system stimulant, temporarily warding off drowsiness and restoring alertness.

Caffeine is a potent morning invigorant that can stimulate brain and body to greater concentration, improved memory and energy yet it can be addictive. Because caffeine is such a strong stimulant it is still unhealthy even if coming from Ryokucha caffeine, so one must be there careful with. In Ryokucha, caffeine is an alkaloid that comes with other alkaloids and stimulants like theobromine and theophylline. On the other hand, an active substance called L-theanine in Ryokucha offers calming effects.

Does this mean that one must forgo the habit and all the health benefits along with it? There are actually ways by which one can get around drinking green tea minus or minimized the caffeine or its potency. To drink or not to drink green tea is better answered after considering what are listed below:

Consider your options well by choosing the ones with less caffeine or decaffeinated. Read the labels for more information.

Use tea leaves than those in teabags because caffeine is usually more concentrated in tea bag presentation.

Using water with temperature higher than 80 to 85oC when steeping or brewing tea or using less tea leaves can reduce the caffeine in a cup.

Discard the caffeine-concentrated first infusion or add more water so it can be diluted or can make out more cups.

Green teas derived from younger leaves contain more caffeine, yet healthier too. Instead of sacrificing the entire thing, an option is to use less tea leaves in brewing. You may, of course, opt for a green tea that is derived from older leaves.

Drink up while it is hot as active ingredients like catechin and theanine bind with caffeine when medium is hot, thus rendering the caffeine deficiency.

These are just some ways to minimize the green tea caffeine. There is really no reason valid enough to avoid green tea like plague. Do not abuse caffeine and there will be no problems.