What are the effects of caffeine on the body?
Caffeine is a natural alkaloid that stimulates the central nervous system. It has effects such as refreshing the mind, enhancing attention, and improving psychological state.
However, it's important to note that the daily intake of caffeine should ideally be kept within a certain range. For healthy adults, the recommended daily caffeine intake is typically between 300 milligrams to 400 milligrams.
Excessive consumption of caffeine may lead to the following symptoms:
Overstimulation of the central nervous system
Increased blood pressure
Irregular heart rhythm
Decreased appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Insomnia
Caffeine Content in Coffee
In general, a regular cup of coffee containing approximately 100 milliliters typically has a caffeine content ranging from 30 to 100 milligrams. The caffeine content can vary depending on the type of coffee beans used.
Additionally, factors such as brewing methods, including steeping time and water temperature, can also influence the caffeine content in coffee.
Caffeine Content in Oolong Tea
Generally, a 100-milliliter serving of oolong tea typically contains 15 to 40 milligrams of caffeine. The caffeine content in the brewed tea can vary based on the specific type of loose leaf oolong tea. As a general rule, the higher the oxidation level of oolong tea, the higher the caffeine content in the brewed tea.
Similar to coffee, the brewing method for oolong tea also significantly affects the caffeine content in the tea infusion.
In summary, the caffeine content in a cup of oolong tea is generally lower than that in a cup of coffee. If you are looking to reduce your caffeine intake, replacing coffee with oolong tea as a daily beverage is a good option. Where to buy Oolong Tea? It is recommended to choose brands or channels that provide clear background information on the tea.
Find more loose leaf oolong tea with our Oolong Tea Sampler.>>>
How to Reduce Caffeine Intake?
There are varieties of both coffee and oolong tea that have lower caffeine content. When purchasing coffee and oolong tea, pay attention to their caffeine levels and opt for varieties that are relatively low in caffeine. This can fundamentally reduce caffeine intake. It is recommended to use a coffee sampler and a tea sampler to discover options that suit your preferences.
When brewing coffee and oolong tea with hot water, reducing the brewing time can also lower the release of caffeine.
Additionally, using the cold brewing method for both coffee and oolong tea can significantly decrease the release of caffeine.
Oolong Tea Recommendations
Generally, the higher the oxidation level of loose leaf tea, the higher its caffeine content. Oolong tea, in general, is a semi-oxidized tea, but there are still differences in the oxidation levels among different varieties of oolong tea.
Below are recommendations for three oolong teas with varying oxidation levels for you to choose from, which are also best oolong tea in China. They also make excellent choices for tea gift sets for family and friends.
1.Light Aroma TieGuanyin
Light Aroma TieGuanyin has a lower level of oxidation among oolong teas, resulting in a lower caffeine content. It is the preferred choice for those seeking low-caffeine tea.
TieGuanyin is one of China's top ten famous teas, originating from Xiping Town, Anxi County, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, between 1723 and 1735. The name TieGuanyin refers to both a tea tree variety and the name of this tea. It is a semi-oxidized tea, known for its unique "Guanyin rhyme." The aroma is fresh and elegant, the taste is pure and strong, and it is renowned for having "lingering fragrance after seven infusions."
Light Aroma TieGuanyin is characterized by its unique "clear soup and green water" feature. This type of TieGuanyin emphasizes a fresh, delicate taste and ornamental value. The appearance of Light aroma TieGuanyin is usually spherical or semi-spherical, resembling the shape of a mung bean. Its dry leaves have a green color, the tea infusion is clear, and the leaves are soft and thick.
2.Fenghuang Dancong
Fenghuang Dancong is a type of oolong tea with a moderate level of oxidation, placing its caffeine content at a medium level.
Fenghuang Dancong is a traditional Chinese famous tea belonging to the oolong tea category, primarily produced in Fenghuangshan Town, Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province. This tea is renowned for its unique fragrance, sweet taste, and rich nutritional value.
Characteristics of Fenghuang Dancong include "fragrance," "vitality," and "sweetness." It can be categorized into various types based on different fragrances, such as Honey Orchid Fragrance, Yellow Twig Fragrance, and Gardenia Fragrance.
The appearance of Fenghuang Dancong features thick and straight tea leaves, uniform and strong, with a yellow-brown color, glossy and shiny, accompanied by vermilion red spots. After brewing, it emits a fresh and enduring aroma, with a rich and refreshing taste, and a unique mountain charm.
3.Da Hong Pao
Da Hong Pao belongs to the category of highly oxidized oolong tea, resulting in a high caffeine content among oolong teas. For those seeking teas with higher caffeine levels, Da Hong Pao is an excellent choice.
Da Hong Pao is produced in Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Province, China. It falls under the category of Wuyi Rock Tea and is acclaimed as the "Top Scholar of Teas" due to its unique quality and historical background. It is also considered one of the best loose leaf tea in China.
The appearance of Da Hong Pao features tightly rolled leaves with a fresh and lustrous green-brown color. The brewed tea has an orange-yellow color, and the leaves exhibit a mix of red and green, accompanied by the unique aroma and taste characteristic of rock tea. The fragrance of this tea is rich, with hints of orchid, and it is known for its long-lasting and high-reaching aroma, referred to as "rock charm."
