What Do You Really Get With Decaf Teas And Coffee?
Decaf teas and coffee seem like a logical alternative to caffeinated teas and coffee on the Keto Diet if you are sensitive to caffeine due to health issues or plain caffeine sensitivity.
The Keto Diet is usually used as an aide for better health which would exclude caffeine.
However, decaf teas and coffee are not entirely caffeine-free. What you get with decaf teas and coffee is a reduced amount of caffeine compared to their caffeinated counterparts. It's disappointing to say decaf teas and coffee aren't completely decaffeinated. If you drank decaf teas or coffee and got a buzz or increased blood pressure, now you know why.
Decaffeination removes most of the caffeine from tea leaves or coffee beans. There are several methods for decaffeination, including solvent-based processes, the Swiss Water Process, and CO2 extraction. Each method aims to remove as much caffeine as possible while preserving the flavor and health benefits of the tea or coffee.
The Caffeine Content Of Decaf Tea And Coffee
Decaf Coffee: Usually, decaf coffee contains about 2 to 5 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup. But to compare, a regular cup of coffee can contain between 95 to 200 mg of caffeine. Yikes!
Decaf Tea: Decaf black tea usually contains 2 to 5 mg of caffeine per 8-ounce cup, and decaf green tea contains around 2 to 4 mg. Regular black tea can contain about 40 to 70 mg of caffeine, and regular green tea can contain about 20 to 45 mg per 8-ounce serving.
In the United States, the FDA requires that coffee and tea be labeled decaffeinated with at least 97% caffeine removed. This means a small amount of caffeine can still be present. Some decaffeinated teas and coffee can have 4-15 mg of caffeine in them, depending on the process used to decaffeinate them.
If you are highly sensitive to caffeine or need to avoid it altogether for health reasons, it's important to know that decaf products still contain a small amount of caffeine. Herbal teas (tisanes), made from herbs, fruits, and flowers and do not contain traditional tea leaves, are naturally caffeine-free and might be a better option if you need to avoid caffeine entirely.
Below is a simple recipe for making a Keto-freindly caffeine-free chamomile and peppermint tea blend using dried or fresh leaves.
Keto-Friendly Chamomile and Peppermint Tea
Ingredients:
One tablespoon of dried chamomile flowers (or two tablespoons of fresh chamomile flowers)
One tablespoon of dried peppermint leaves (or a handful of fresh peppermint leaves)
1-2 cups of water
Optional: Stevia Sweetener, honey, or lemon for added flavor
Instructions:
Boil the Water:
Bring 1-2 cups of water to a boil in a kettle or pot.
Prepare the Chamomile and Peppermint:
If using fresh herbs, rinse them thoroughly.
Place the chamomile flowers and peppermint leaves in a tea infuser, tea bag, or directly into a teapot or cup if you plan to strain it later.
Steep the Tea:
Pour the boiling water over the chamomile flowers and peppermint leaves.
Let the tea steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on how strong you like it.
Strain and Serve:
If you place the herbs directly in the teapot or cup, strain the tea into another cup using a fine mesh strainer.
Add honey or lemon if desired, and enjoy your soothing chamomile and peppermint tea.
Tips:
Adjust the Ratio: Feel free to adjust the ratio of chamomile to peppermint to suit your taste preferences. You can use more of the other if you prefer a more robust flavor from one herb.
Storage: Store any leftover dried chamomile flowers and peppermint leaves in airtight containers away from light and moisture to preserve their freshness.
This blend combines chamomile's calming properties with peppermint's refreshing taste, making it a perfect beverage for relaxation, aiding digestion, and Keto-friendly for your health. Enjoy!
Dr. John Douillards Lifespa Affiliate
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