Decaf Tea

[Rolferoo]

Is it true that although decaf tea is healthier in terms of containing only trace quantities of caffine, the process used to remove the substance involved solvents and other such nasties?

[alleycat]

I'd say definatly, Yes. Same reason why tap water is better for you that bottled. Although tap water contains traces of flouride, lead (from pipes) and other traces of toxins the body is capable of removing these from our systems. Bottled water is stagnent water and contains traces of solvents which come from the sterilising equiptment used to bottle the water. It wouldnt surprise me if the bottled water contained plastics in it too. Although there are guidelines the government sets for what is acceptable levels in our food and drink of harmful toxins (eg- E numbers) I believe that there is no 'safe' level of these chemicals.

[Hamish]

Tea can be deacfinated by treatment with high pressure carbon dioxide. This, being a gas, does not leave a residue in the tea. (or coffee). hamish