Caffeine and theine are two words that have a lot in common. But what is the difference between them? And what do these substances do to you? 

Caffeine and theine are two names that refer to the same substance. Theine and caffeine are the same chemical substance (C8H10N402), but with different effects. Caffeine is used when the substance is found in coffee or soft drinks, for example, and theine is used in the case of tea.

What do the substances do?

The biggest difference between the substances is their effect. Caffeine is known as the substance you need to take to stay awake. This is because it works very quickly. The substances surrounding caffeine are very thin. That is why your body absorbs caffeine quickly. With theine, it is different. The substances surrounding it are thicker, so your body needs time to process the substance. It takes an hour after ingesting the substance for your blood to absorb it. It then takes between 6 and 8 hours for the theine to be released again. This means that tea gives you a lower boost for a longer period of time, while coffee is good for a quick pick-me-up.

Caffeine in matcha

Nowadays, matcha is often considered a substitute for a cup of coffee. This is because matcha contains caffeine, theine and the amino acid L-theanine. Matcha contains about a third of the amount of caffeine found in coffee. The theine in matcha ensures that this caffeine is absorbed more slowly than normal, so that the boost is released gradually. The L-theanine calms you down, which in turn reduces the intense boost of caffeine. Matcha is therefore a great substitute for coffee.

Good to know

It is important not to consume too much caffeine per day. Too much caffeine can cause symptoms such as headaches, restlessness and dizziness. A healthy adult can consume approximately 400 millilitres of caffeine per day. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, 200 milligrams per day is sufficient. To clarify, one cup of coffee contains approximately 60 milligrams. So enjoy, but above all, enjoy in moderation!