Caffeine or no caffeine: choosing a drink suited to each moment of the day
More essential than ever in a fast-paced world, the pursuit of well-being includes consuming healthy and natural drinks. But do you really know which is the best option at each moment of the day?
The Betjeman & Barton team guides you through the subtleties of theine, which directly influences the choice between tea and herbal tea throughout the day, depending on your need for energy, sleep or concentration.
Theine, caffeine: information you need to know
Despite their different names, theine and caffeine refer to the same molecule. The former is found in tea, while the latter is found in coffee.
In tea, theine is combined with other natural substances such as tannins and L-theanine. Thanks to this combination, theine is absorbed more slowly by the body. As a result, tea provides a gentler and more sustained stimulation, without sudden energy spikes or jitters.
On the contrary, the caffeine in coffee is absorbed very quickly by the body. It therefore provides an immediate energy boost, which is particularly useful for waking up quickly or when an instant energy boost is needed. This rapid effect can, however, be offset by a sudden drop in alertness, experienced as a "slump" by coffee drinkers.
Therefore, people sensitive to caffeine generally tolerate tea better. While theine is present in all types of tea, it is found in higher quantities in black and green tea.
However, herbal teas Rooibos and teas are 100% caffeine-free drinks, since they are made exclusively from plants and not from tea leaves or “Camellia sinensis”.
How to boost your energy in the morning?
In the morning, our bodies often need a little boost to get the day off to a good start. A hot drink rich in theine is particularly ideal for effectively stimulating both body and mind.
In this context, black tea stands out as the preferred choice for those who enjoy an invigorating start to their day. Its stimulating effect is similar to that of coffee, without the jarring energy spike of caffeine. Green tea also remains an excellent alternative for those who prefer a gentler start to their morning or are looking for a source of vitamin C.
Here are our recommendations for the morning:
● Daybreak black tea is a full-bodied blend of Ceylon, Assam, and Darjeeling teas. It's best enjoyed with a splash of milk for a truly English breakfast.
● Gyokuro green tea It is described as the most precious and refined of Japanese teas. Connoisseurs particularly appreciate it in a small teapot, after only 1 minute of infusion.
How to maintain concentration in the afternoon?
After lunch, it's common to experience a slight dip in energy. Drinking a cup of tea can then gently revive your focus without affecting your nervousness.
To maintain optimal concentration throughout the day, it's advisable to drink white tea or oolong tea, a semi-fermented beverage also known as "blue-green tea." White tea is low in caffeine and perfect for a relaxing afternoon break. Oolong tea, on the other hand, boasts a moderate caffeine content and a rich, authentic, and sensory aroma.
Here are our recommendations for the afternoon:
● The "Pai Mu Tan Organic Superior" white tea from China is made from the buds and young shoots of Camellia sinensis. It releases natural cocoa aromas, for a hint of sweetness and comfort with every sip.
● The “Formose Grand Oolong” oolong tea is a 70% fermented beverage, whose subtle chestnut aroma is what makes it so special. singularity [3] .
● The “Les Invités” scented white tea celebrates the beautiful harmony of jasmine, rose and lychee.
● The fragrant oolong “Paris s’éveille” embodies a delicious moment of indulgence thanks to notes of chocolate, caramel and toffee.
How to relax in the evening?
Slowing down is essential after a hectic day. Caffeine-free drinks are ideal for preparing the body for rest, before a good night's sleep.
Thus, herbal teas and rooibos are valuable allies in the evening. In addition to being naturally caffeine-free, certain plants like chamomile, verbena, and linden are recognized and recommended for their calming properties on the body and mind.
Here are our recommendations for the evening:
● The “Heavenly Herbal Tea” perfectly blends lemongrass, chamomile, licorice, orange, and grapefruit. This delicate and soothing infusion is perfect in the evening, before drifting off to sleep.
● The “Shepherd’s Herbal Tea” brilliantly combines the flavors of yesteryear, including linden, verbena, mint, orange blossom and lemongrass.
A closer look at caffeine-free teas
Today, there are processes for removing the caffeine molecule from tea leaves without damaging them . This practice ensures that you continue to enjoy the flavors and benefits of the beverage without experiencing its stimulating effects afterward. Decaffeinated tea retains all the antioxidants naturally present in the plant, including polyphenols and flavonoids, and can be consumed throughout the day , as it no longer poses a risk of sleep disturbances. Betjeman & Barton offers two types:
- Earl Grey decaffeinated black tea: an essential reference in the world of tea, enjoy this beautiful blend of bergamot and Ceylon black tea whenever the mood strikes.
- Decaffeinated Ceylon black tea: this very fine black tea without tannins can be enjoyed happily from morning to night, without moderation.
How do you remove the caffeine from tea?
It is possible to "decaffeinate" your own tea at home, thanks to the double infusion technique , also called " rinsing ". This involves steeping the tea leaves in boiling water for 20 to 60 seconds depending on your sensitivity, then discarding the water before steeping the leaves again in fresh hot water , this time respecting the normal steeping time.
This method eliminates between 50 and 80% of the caffeine in the beverage , as this molecule is released in the first few moments upon contact with hot water. Thus, while not as effective as industrial processing, this technique allows you to enjoy your favorite tea at any time of day, without the effects of caffeine.
Throughout the day, listen to your body's needs by choosing the right drink at the right time. Betjeman & Barton teas and infusions accompany you through invigorating mornings and relaxing evenings, as part of a wellness ritual that meets all your expectations.
