Decaf Green Tea Benefits for Your Health & the Best Alternatives

Green tea is a superfood recognized for its antioxidant properties. Here are decaf green tea's main health benefits, and some more sustainable options.

Decaf green tea’s benefits are the same as that of caffeinated green tea, and sometimes it can even be a better choice. Research shows that drinking several cups of green tea a day is all you need to enjoy its many positive effects. That adds up to lot of caffeine — especially if you drink other caffeinated beverages throughout the day, like coffee. 

If you’re looking to enjoy the advantages of green tea without spiking your caffeine intake or staying awake all night, decaffeinated green tea is the way to go.

Read on for a guide to the best decaf green tea benefits.

The Downside of Caffeinated Green Tea

There are some downsides to caffeinated green tea that make decaf green tea’s benefits more appealing. The caffeinated version can cause stomach problems brewed for too long, as green tea contains tannins that increase acid in your stomach. This can lead to issues like heartburn (acid reflux) and nausea.

Other downsides of caffeinated green tea are associated with its caffeine content, which can cause headaches, problems sleeping and dizziness if consumed in large amounts. If you rely on green tea for energy, consider some of these 10 natural ways to stay awake without caffeine instead. 

Decaf Green Tea Benefit #1. Less Caffeine

Decaf green tea contains all of the same antioxidants and health benefits of regular tea — without the caffeine. That means less restlessness and insomnia and other issues like nausea, headaches and anxiety. Decaf green tea is particularly useful if you want to enjoy a hot beverage before bed without increasing your alertness or getting jittery. If you do end up jittery and want to chill out before bed, here are the best natural remedies to get caffeine out of your system.

One great alternative if you’re looking for a tasty decaf tea alternative is ginger tea.

#2. Decaf Green Tea Lowers Risk of Heart Problems

Caffeine raises your blood pressure, so decaf green tea is a healthier option as it can lower your risk of experiencing the many health problems associated with heart disease. According to the ​British Journal of Pharmacology, the antioxidants found in green tea help battle the oxidative stress that can lead to heart disease. 

Stinging nettle tea is a decaf tea option known for treating high blood pressure. You can source stinging nettles yourself if you want, as they grow wild in many areas. 

#3. Decaf Green Tea May Support Weight Loss

A 2017 study found that decaf green tea polyphenols prevented weight gain in mice with obesity, suggesting that the tea may also aid in weight loss for humans. Smaller studies have been carried out to research the links between decaf green tea and weight loss. One 2021 research study observed 27 overweight participants and found that taking a daily dose of decaf green tea extract sped up their fat metabolism, which improved fat breakdown compared to a placebo.

Another decaf tea to try is mugwort tea. Mugwort is a more sustainable option than many teas, as it grows wild throughout the US and Canada. Making your own tea also saves money and helps you avoid plastic in tea bags.

Decaf Green Tea Benefit #4. Antioxidants

Although some people worry that decaf green tea loses nutrients in the tea decaffeination process, decaf green tea is still packed just as full of antioxidants as regular green tea. Green tea is typically much richer in antioxidants than other teas. Antioxidants have anticancer properties and protect your cells against free radicals, which may play a role in heart disease, cancer and other diseases. 

Want a decaf green tea alternative with potential cancer-preventing properties? Try ginger and garlic tea.

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Read more:

• Most Common Caffeine Withdrawal Symptoms and How To Beat Them
• Cinnamon Tea: 4 Health Benefits and How to Make Your Own
• How to Make Chai Tea Latte: 3 Easy Recipes
• Matcha vs. Green Tea: What’s the Difference?

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Tags: Alternatives Beverages Guide Healthy Living Sustainability Tea