What's the difference between theine and caffeine? I'll tell you because they're the same thing
What is theine and what is it used for?
Some claim that theine is a different substance from the caffeine found in coffee beans, but the so-called theine, chemically speaking, is the same molecule as caffeine, but found in a different plant, as detailed on the Punto de Té website.
The confusion is not recent; caffeine was identified in 1819 by the German chemist Friedlieb Runge, and eight years later, another researcher isolated theine from tea. It wasn't until 1838 that it became clear that both substances were the same.
“Caffeine is an alkaloid from the methylxanthine family that can be found naturally in numerous plant species, including coffee and tea plants, but also in cocoa, yerba mate, and guarana. Different names are used to refer to the caffeine in each of these plants: theine, guaranine, mateine… but we are always referring to the same compound.”
Difference between theine and caffeine
For his part, Damián Seijas, a professional barista and gold medalist at Spain Barista Champion, indicates that the differences between caffeine and theine lie in their timing and duration. Theine takes longer to take effect, but this also depends on the type of tea. It is another stimulant, but different from coffee, which is a more complex and aromatic beverage. Caffeine is water-soluble; it dissolves very easily and well, according to Men's Health.
Effects of caffeine on our body
The effects of caffeine stimulate the central nervous system, generating a greater state of alertness and concentration that can aid learning.
Another consequence of caffeine and its derivatives is that it reduces the feeling of tiredness. In fact, caffeine improves athletic performance thanks to its effect on the body, according to Punto de Té, a tea shop in Spain.
Furthermore, it explains that there is another belief, which states that black tea contains higher levels of caffeine than green or white tea. This is incorrect. It has been scientifically proven that the oxidation process does not increase the caffeine level in tea leaves.
