$Unique_ID{BRK01530}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is There More Caffeine in Tea Than There is in Coffee?}
$Subject{caffeine tea teas coffee coffees Ill Defined Symptoms symptom brew
brews leaves leaf bean beans cup cups insomnia anxiety nervousness headache
rapid irregular pulse drink drinks food foods diet diets dietary headaches}
$Volume{N-26}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is There More Caffeine in Tea Than There is in Coffee?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  Can you solve a dispute between two old friends and help settle a
huge money bet involving a whole dime?  I won't be disturbed if you find in my
favor.  I say that there is more caffeine in tea than there is in coffee, but
my friend insists there is more caffeine in a cup of coffee than a cup of tea.
Who is right?  Would you please use specific amounts so I can use your column
to win my bet.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  There is no limit to my willingness to help my readers.  In this case
however, I am going to give you the facts, and leave the decision as to who
wins to the both of you.  If you brew your coffee in an automatic drip coffee
maker, your 5 ounce cup will contain from 110 to 150 milligrams of caffeine.
If you use a domestic brand of tea, brewed in the usual manner, your 5 ounce
cup will contain 40 milligrams of caffeine.  But wait, you still have a case!
If you wish to measure the caffeine in tea and coffee by weight, there is more
caffeine in tea leaves than coffee beans of an equal weight.  The reason for
more caffeine in the cup is that more coffee beans are used to make a cup of
coffee than tea leaves for a cup of tea.  Moderate use of both, up to four
cups of coffee, is considered safe for most people.  However, since each
person's sensitivity to caffeine may differ, some caution is necessary.  Since
the symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, increased nervousness, headache, rapid or
irregular pulse can be provoked by caffeine, it would be wise to cut back when
such symptoms appear.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.