People can prefer caffeine free tea for many reasons. Some may have a health condition that warrants them to avoid caffeine, while some seek to avoid the stimulation and nervousness that may come with caffeine consumption. Whatever the reason, it is a good idea to be informed about actual substances used during the decaffeination process.
Tea Decaffeinated with Methylene Chloride or Ethyl Acetate
Methylene Chloride is the chemical companies turn to when they don't want to advertise natural, and when they are looking to cut costs. While effective at removing caffeine, attention should by given to the fact that this chemical was suspected as a carcinogen in the 1980's. The FDA has since put a limit on how much residue can remain on items decaffeinated with this substance, but many are wary.
Ethyl Acetate is what companies often use to decaffeinate with when they advertise 'Naturally Decaffeinated'. They are allowed to advertise in this manner because this particular substance is indeed found in some fruits and fruit rinds. However, the Ethyl Acetate that they use is man made. This may not be much of an improvement over Methylene Chloride at any rate, since at high doses it is known to cause problems to the liver, respiratory, and nervous system.
CO2 Decaffeination and the Hot Water Decaffeination
Not as readily available is tea that is decaffeinated with carbon dioxide. However, this method is far superior to the ones mentioned above. CO2 effectively removes virtually all of the caffeine from the tea leaves, yet the leaves retain about 95% of their healthful compounds. The tea also retains most of its flavor with this method.
Hot water decaffeination, also known as the Swiss water method, is probably the most noninvasive, but by far the rarest method used today. This method is applied to fresh tea leaves. They are simply soaked in hot water. Most of the caffeine dissolves into the water. The leaves are then fried in a pan or baked to make them flavorful.
Tea decaffeinated with carbon dioxide is likely to be found in health food stores, and is the best choice that one is likely to find in most areas. Also, consideration should be given to drinking tea in its natural state if possible. Amazing Green Tea has cited an interesting study where a compound in tea, theanine, was shown to actually cancel out the effects of caffeine.
Sources
Amazing-Green-Tea.com, "Decaffeinated Green Tea Warnings! Natural Versus CO2", 9-29-10
WellnessLetter.com, "Is It True What They Say About Decaf?", 9-29-10
Angel Chavis - Angel Chavis lives in NC with her husband, daughter, and various pets. She is a Christian, wife, homeschool mom, writer, student, and ...
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