decaffeinated green tea extract

What is decaffeinated green tea extract?

Decaffeinated green tea extract is a dietary supplement obtained from the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). The naturally contained caffeine (also known as tein or teein) is removed from the green tea. This is usually done using a special process in which the green tea is treated with carbon dioxide. Most of the other ingredients of green tea are retained, especially the valuable polyphenols, catechins and EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). These are responsible for most of the health-promoting effects of green tea.

How does decaffeinated green tea extract work?

Decaffeinated green tea extract has similar effects to normal green tea, but without the stimulating effect of caffeine. Decaffeinated green tea extract can have the following effects, among others

• It protects cells from oxidative stress through its antioxidant effect.
• It promotes heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels and dilating blood vessels.
• It supports brain function by improving concentration, memory and mood and protecting against neurodegenerative diseases.
• It helps with weight loss by stimulating metabolism, curbing appetite and promoting fat burning.
• It supports liver function by promoting detoxification and protecting against liver damage.
• It reduces the risk of cancer by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and triggering apoptosis (programmed cell death).

What are the side effects of decaffeinated green tea extract?

Decaffeinated green tea extract generally has few side effects and is considered safe for most people. However, there are some potential drawbacks to be aware of:

• Depending on how the extract was made, it may still contain small amounts of caffeine. This can lead to insomnia, nervousness or palpitations in sensitive individuals.
• It can inhibit the absorption of iron from food, which can lead to iron deficiency. This is particularly true if the extract is taken together with foods containing iron.
• The extract may interact with certain medications, especially those that affect blood clotting (such as aspirin or warfarin) or lower blood sugar levels (such as insulin or metformin). This can lead to bleeding or hypoglycemia.
• It can cause allergic reactions if you are allergic to green tea or other plants in the tea family (such as camellias or azaleas). This can lead to a skin rash, itching, breathing difficulties or anaphylactic shock.

Is decaffeinated green tea extract suitable for dogs?

As a general rule, you should not give your dog green tea or green tea extract, regardless of whether it contains caffeine or not. The reason for this is that green tea can be toxic to dogs, especially in high doses or if consumed regularly. This is due to the polyphenols it contains, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems, liver damage or kidney failure in dogs. In addition, the caffeine contained in green tea can lead to cardiac arrhythmia, seizures or even death. This is why you should only ever give your dog fresh water to drink and not any food supplements without consulting your vet.