Is Decaffeinated Tea Hydrating?
Many people believe that tea can help people stay hydrated while avoiding the intake of excessive caffeine if they choose to drink decaffeinated tea instead. But is decaffeinated tea helping them stay hydrated or not?
How Does Caffeine Affect Hydration?
Caffeine has a diuretic effect, meaning it triggers the body to expel fluids from the system, often leaving a person with a feeling of dehydration. The Mayo Clinic advises people to reduce the amount of caffeine they consume to avoid potentially becoming dehydrated.
Can Decaffeinated Tea Help?
Drinking decaffeinated tea is a good alternative to regular tea in order to get the flavor and ritual that go along with drinking tea, while still avoiding a lot of the water-depleting caffeine. The caffeine level in decaffeinated tea is still higher than the amounts in plain water, but the diuretic effect is significantly less. This makes it a great option for hydration when compared to regular tea.
What About Other Health Benefits?
Decaffeinated tea also has some of the same health benefits that regular tea has, including:
- Antioxidants – Decaffeinated tea still contains plenty of antioxidants, which help to protect the body from oxidative damage from free radicals.
- Anti-inflammatory properties – Decaffeinated tea can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
- Digestive health – Decaffeinated tea can help to improve digestion, especially for those who struggle with digestive issues.
Conclusion
Decaffeinated tea is a great option for people who want to enjoy the flavor of tea while staying hydrated. The caffeine levels are much lower than that of regular tea, so it won’t have the same diuretic effect. In addition, it still has a lot of the same health benefits, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
