Re:Caffeine (Score 1)

Actually it was the antiseptic properties of tea, not the boiling of the water, which was only brought to the boil not left boiling for at least ten minutes. also some of the most virulent bugs can survive up to 122 degrees C (hence the need for autoclaves to truly sterilise stuff). Both England and Japan drank tea, both had cities 1 million plus. The old adage that the British Empire was built on tea is, ironically, true, at least in part.