Secrets of the Superhuman Food Pyramid: Pros and Cons of Caffeinated Tea

Various cultures have been drinking caffeinated teas for centuries. This comes as no surprise as these beverages are undoubtedly a better alternative to soft drinks and processed fruit juices that are replete with sweeteners and additives. Caffeinated teas are sold in dried form and can be prepared hot or cold making for a convenient and versatile drink as well. But while it is a healthier substitute, caffeinated tea should be consumed reasonably for a host of reasons.

Read further and discover more about the pros and cons of caffeinated tea and why the Superhuman Food Pyramid recommends moderate consumption of this source of hydration to help in your quest to Become Superhuman.

Caffeinated Tea Benefits:

Caffeinated teas are jam-packed with naturally occurring antioxidants known as catechins. These compounds may be useful in preventing or managing obesity as regular intake has been found to result in reduction in body fat.

Catechins have been found to hinder monoamine oxidase activity as well and so may be useful in managing depression as well as cut down the symptoms in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease sufferers. The catechins have brain-protecting properties as well and so caffeinated tea consumption may be helpful in preventing neurodegenerative diseases caused by eating farmed fish laden with heavy metals, and non-organic commercially processed meat and chemically preserved or dried meats filled with synthetic additives.

Caffeinated Tea Risks:

Caffeinated teas typically contain lower amounts of the stimulant drug caffeine than coffee. Preparation also affects the levels of this compound in the drink. In general, the method of infusion used as well as the length of steeping dictate the levels of caffeine. Utilizing tea balls or strainers instead of tea bags, as well as steeping for longer periods result in higher caffeine in the beverage as well.

Caffeine in large doses can result in palpitations. It is for this reason individuals with heart conditions must consult with their health providers to ascertain if caffeinated tea consumption is safe. This stimulant drug causes irritability, restlessness, and erratic sleep cycles as well and so it would be prudent for insomnia sufferers to steer clear of beverages containing caffeine.

Caffeine consumption appears to have an effect on the estrogen levels in women as well and may play a role in the development or worsening of hormone-dependent cancers such as breast and ovarian cancers. The estrogen-disrupting mechanism of caffeine may directly affect ovulation too, which is why women with fertility problems are advised to reduce caffeine consumption to increase the chances of getting pregnant.

Meanwhile, it would be prudent for pregnant women to significantly reduce or altogether avoid caffeinated drinks during pregnancy as consumption may result in newborns who have low birth weight or are small for their gestational age.

As was mentioned, teas have relatively lower amounts of the stimulant drug than coffee. While this is the case, individuals who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome are advised to steer clear of caffeine as consumption may aggravate the problem. Other health conditions that may worsen from caffeine intake are ulcer from stomach acid and kidney and liver diseases, and so individuals who suffer from any of these must consult with their physicians to ascertain whether caffeinated teas and other beverages containing this stimulant drug can be incorporated in their diets safely.

In the next post, I’ll tell you the pros and cons of anti-oxidant drinks or powders and why you should drink them moderately to help in your quest to Become Superhuman.

In the meantime, if you care to jump ahead, here is a complete listing of drinks to avoid as well as consume regularly and moderately on the Superhuman Food Pyramid:

Drink:

• Filtered Water
• Soda Water
• Coconut Water
• Kombucha
• Greens Drinks or Powders

Moderate:

• Non-Caffeinated Teas
• Coconut Milk
• Raw, Grass-Fed Cow or Goat’s Milk
• Kefir
• Sports Drinks
• Smoothies (With Natural Ingredients)
• Arabica Coffee Regular and Decaf
• Caffeinated Tea (includes Green Tea)
• Anti-Oxidant Drinks or Powders
• Rice Milk

Avoid:

• Almond Milk
• Red Wine
• Energy Drinks
• Flavored Waters
• Soda
• Soy Milk
• Regular Cow’s Milk
• Instant Coffee
• Blended Coffee
• Lattes
• Mochas
• Beer
• Mixed Drinks
• Hard Alcohol

If you have questions, comments or feedback about the pros and cons of caffeinated tea, the Superhuman Food Pyramid, this website, or other aspects of Becoming Superhuman, then leave your thoughts below, as well as any tips you have on the pros and cons of caffeinated tea.