Some people think that milk lowers tea's anti-oxidant power because it binds to polyphenols and inactivates them. This has not been proven, however, so go ahead and add some milk if you like. You'll also increase your calcium intake. Tea also has fluoride for strong teeth, virtually no calories, and half the amount of caffeine found in an equally-sized cup of coffee. Whether decaffeinated teas have the same polyphenols, and thus the same health benefits, as regular teas has not yet been studied.
Caffeine is a natural component of tea leaves.
It is not yet known if removing caffeine also removes polyphenols. For more information, contact your local Colorado State University Cooperative Extension office . Go to top of this page. Contact Cooperative Extension Web Manager . Cooperative Extension programs are available to all without discrimination.