Green tea and black tea are both popular beverages that are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, but they differ in their processing and chemical composition, which affects their flavor and health benefits. Here are some of the key benefits of green tea versus black tea:
Benefits of Green Tea:
- Antioxidant properties: Green tea is rich in polyphenols, especially catechins, which are powerful antioxidants that protect the body against free radicals and oxidative stress, and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
- Boosts brain function: Green tea contains caffeine, which can improve alertness, concentration, and mood, as well as the amino acid L-theanine, which can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
- Supports weight loss: Green tea may help boost metabolism and fat burning, and may reduce appetite and calorie intake, making it a popular ingredient in weight loss supplements.
- Promotes oral health: Green tea contains catechins and fluoride, which can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Benefits of Black Tea:
- Cardiovascular health: Black tea contains flavonoids, which may improve heart health by reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels.
- Digestive health: Black tea contains tannins, which can help soothe the digestive tract, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy gut bacteria.
- Energy boost: Black tea contains caffeine, which can provide a natural energy boost and improve alertness and concentration.
- Bone health: Black tea contains flavonoids and minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which may help improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Overall, both green tea and black tea offer health benefits and can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet. The choice between the two may depend on personal preference, as well as individual health goals and concerns.
If we think about the history of the origination of tea let us take you back to 5000 years ago. Shen Nung, an emperor in the 2732 BC era unknowingly threw some leaves from a wild tree into a pot that had boiling water. To his excitement, the water started extracting colour from the dried leaves. When he tasted it the drink was marvellous and he wished to consume more of it. After this incident, the subjects spread the word regarding this and it became a lifestyle drink for everyone living in the country. Tea plantations grew rapidly. The drink was no more known as a lifestyle drink but scientists of those times also derived various medicinal properties it consisted of.
Black tea was formerly known as green tea in China during the time of evolution. Soon after exporting it to other countries people started addressing it as black tea. This name was initiated since the leaves when fermented for too long due to export reasons started giving out blackish-brown shades when brewed. However, the difference one needs to know about both the teas are, black tea is oxidized and green tea is not. Green tea is popularly known for its medicinal and lifestyle benefits.
Here are some reasons why you should consider green tea over black tea:
- Green tea leaves aren’t fermented for a long period. There is no requirement to oxidize it to change its colour. Black tea goes through rounds of oxidization to provide the brownish-black colour when brewed.
- Because green tea leaves are not oxidized they remain rich in the contents of antioxidants which when consumed help the immune system fight with cancer-causing cells and protects the arteries from facing any kind of blockage.
- If people are addicted to caffeine it is advised to divert them towards the consumption of green tea. The drink contains 25% less caffeine in it, which makes it a healthier drink.
- Green tea has managed to produce universally acclaimed scientific results that if one is looking to reduce weight, it needs to be consumed as a pre-workout drink. It helps in the breaking down of calories when the body is exposed to the physical burning process.
- The acidic waste post brew can be used as a face or hair mask. This helps in fixing the damage caused and leaves the skin and hair with a radiant effect.
Reasons why black tea is not recommended:
- Black tea is usually known for its properties to provide alertness and energy to the body. This happens because of the substance theophylline present in it. The content speeds up the heartbeat and gives an alert feeling to the mind once consumed. The presence of caffeine in the drink leads to keeping the individual pumped with energy. This leads to a lack of sleep. Loss of sleep can lead to other issues like depression, anxiety, constant headaches, and migraine.
- Although black tea comprises of antioxidants known as polyphenols there are no scientific reasons that it can reduce the risk of cancer-related to breast, stomach and colorectal.
- If more than 200 mg of black tea is consumed daily, studies say that it can lead to fertility issues amongst women.
- Consumption of black tea can hamper your consumption patterns of absorbing iron in the body. Iron is consumed due to the type of food we eat. It is advised that when food and tea should not be consumed together. There should be some intervals at the time of consumption.
You must have got an idea regarding how green tea and black tea are different from each other. So choose your brew wisely.