Decaf tea - is it really better for you?

LadyDee

I'll firstly admit that I''m comparing PGTips with Typhoo but I'm assuming tea is tea.

I normally drink PGTips (black, no sugar) - 200ml = <1 kcal (energy)

Typhoo Decaf - 200ml = 1 kcal (energy)

Stated on the PGTips box is really the only other thing worth noting is that 200 ml contains 0.2gr of protein; compared to Typhoo Decaf which contains the same amount of protein per 200ml but also contains sodium (albeit less than 0.2gr per 200ml); fibre, carbohydrate - including some sugar. PGTips has no sodium (salt).

Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't understand how decaf tea is promoted as being the healthier option.

I didn't like the decaf anyway so it's going in the bin and I'll stick to my PG:)

Anoneemoose

I an not a decaf drinker but I think it is the lack of caffeine that makes it better for you. Although I don't think caffiene now and again will do much harm.

Some people are really sensitive to caffeine which is why they may opt for the decaf option.

LadyDee

Anoneemoose wrote: »

I an not a decaf drinker but I think it is the lack of caffeine that makes it better for you. Although I don't think caffiene now and again will do much harm.

Some people are really sensitive to caffeine which is why they may opt for the decaf option.

I think the caffeine content is the "energy" quoted - there is no mention of caffeine, which I agree is supposed to be ingested in moderation!

sweaty_betty

I generally avoid caffeine so drink decaf tea. I drink sainsburys fair trade decaf and really can't tell the difference in taste, although can feel it if I drink caffeinated tea!

LadyDee

sweaty_betty wrote: »

I generally avoid caffeine so drink decaf tea. I drink sainsburys fair trade decaf and really can't tell the difference in taste, although can feel it if I drink caffeinated tea!

My point is that all foodstuffs now have to state the contents - there is no mention of "caffeine" in the ingredients - only "energy" which is surely what the caffeine provides.

shegirl

Doesn't all tea contain carbs?! Just not always really worth mentioning.Carb and sodium content of tea (tiny) does not make it unhealthy nor make it less healthy than tea containing caffeine.

shegirl

Just looked at box,of course of tips has carbs,just 'trace'

Janepig

I drink decaff tea and coffee, I can't tell the difference between them and "normal" tea and coffee so by my reckoning I might as well drink the decaff stuff as caffeine isn't really good for you. In other respects I imagine they're both the same.

Jx

rainbowfairydust

LadyDee wrote: »

I'll firstly admit that I''m comparing PGTips with Typhoo but I'm assuming tea is tea.

I normally drink PGTips (black, no sugar) - 200ml = <1 kcal (energy)

Typhoo Decaf - 200ml = 1 kcal (energy)

Stated on the PGTips box is really the only other thing worth noting is that 200 ml contains 0.2gr of protein; compared to Typhoo Decaf which contains the same amount of protein per 200ml but also contains sodium (albeit less than 0.2gr per 200ml); fibre, carbohydrate - including some sugar. PGTips has no sodium (salt).

Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't understand how decaf tea is promoted as being the healthier option.

I didn't like the decaf anyway so it's going in the bin and I'll stick to my PG:)

Couple of reasons firstly decaff is meant to be kinder to the bladder. Caffeine irritates the bladder meaning you need to pee more often. i think for most people it doesnt cause any issue but for those people with overactive bladders it helps.

http://lomalindahealth.org/medical-center/our-services/urogynecology/resources/patient-education/behavior-modification.pdf

Secondly i am really sensitive to caffeine - for example i can have a cup of instant coffee or a cup of tea around the 2pm mark, and have a really poor nights sleep (tossing & turning ) or it will be the very early hours before i manage to get to sleep. Its a bit of a nuisance really.

As for the taste - i tested out a few different decaf teas & the typhoo was by far the best. Worst was tetleys. had an odd taste & couldnt get a decent brew from one of their teabags ever. Decaff coffee is pretty much the same as instant. I really cant tell any difference.

notanewuser

Caffeine entering and leaving your blood stream has the same effect as sugar. Soon as you lose the caffeine "buzz" you'll feel hungry. One reason so many women addicted to diet coke are over weight. It also dehydrates you, which also then keads to low energy and potential overeating.

theoretica

As with many options, which one is better will depend on the person - some people get on better without caffine, others may want to avoid every possible trace of sodium or sniff of a calorie. For very many people they will be pretty indistinguishable health wise.