Decaff Green Tea (The Sunday Times, 27th April 2008)

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Q. I was interested to read about the benefits of Matcha green tea. I have been told to avoid caffeine to reduce a hiccup rise in my blood pressure and have become quite a convert to 'no caffeine', so I 'googled' to see if there is a decaffeinated variety of Matcha, without success. Should I worry as it seems the benefits of the anti-oxidants outweigh and downsides of a bit of caffeine?



A.In my opinion, you are correct in your assumption that the antioxidant benefits outweigh the minimal effects of caffeine in Matcha tea. Origins Muzi organic Matcha green tea (Origins at Harrods, £25 30g) contains approximately 34mg of caffeine per serving, equivalent to, or slightly less than regular green tea in a teabag (coffee can range from 135mg to 259mg). For the last 1000 years, 34mg of caffeine and the neurologically-active amino acid L-theanine (helps create inner calm by stimulating the production of alpha brain waves) contained in the Matcha tea was all that the Buddhist monks needed to stay relaxed and yet focused during their lengthy meditation sessions. Alpha brainwaves are often used as an index of relaxation as it is understood that these brain waves are present when the body is in a relaxed state. Although L-theanine's mode of action has not yet been fully elucidated and its efficacy scientifically confirmed, certainly there is sufficient historic and anecdotal proof in this amino acid. It is currently believed that L-theanine supports the balance of various neurotransmitters in the brain, including those that aid the relaxation response and also regulate and potentially lower blood pressure. So as you mention to me your hiccup in your blood pressure, taking a supplement of L-Theanine may be well worth your while trying - Solgar’s L-Theanine (£28.85 60 caps – stockists 01442 890355).

Decaffeination often results in the degradation of the tea leaves and as amino acids are very sensitive, any decaffeinating treatment (CO2 or Methyl acetate method) can have a detrimental effect on the nutrient profile of the tea. Thus the L-theanines that help create a sense of relaxation and dampen the stimulatory effect of green tea’s caffeine content, may be reduced resulting in one feeling more of a caffeine effect rather than less.

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