Have you tried white tea? It's less processed then black and green tea, is higher in antioxidants, and is almost caffeine free. I can easily drink several cups within an hour before going to sleep and not have any problems.

Rooibos is also supposed to be high in antioxidants and is entirely caffeine free; it's made into an herbal tea.

Wikipedia[/URL" target="_blank"> has a list of foods which are high in antioxidants. Not a scientific source, I know, but generally pretty accurate and I don't have the time right now to track down anything else.

I've heard that caffeine alone can improve endurance/performance, so I would agree with merigayle that some of the benefits are linked to caffeine, though perhaps they are due to antioxidants as well?

Also, if you steep tea for 30 seconds then toss the water and start again, it will be largely decaf -- the caffeine is released at the start of the steeping.

I will look at the article later this afternoon. Caffienne is used in all the ultras i have been to. Mostly in the form of Coke or Mountain Dew.

I drink caffienated green tea up until 2pm, then switch to decaf if i want more tea or herbal tea. But because i like it. Have never seen a change in metabolism or endurance.