Black Tea vs Green Tea: The Healthy Showdown
Tea is one of the most popular beverages enjoyed by people all around the world. Black tea and green tea are some of the most commonly consumed categories of tea. If you are a tea lover then it is no question that you must have tasted one of the two or both a couple of times.
In reality, both the teas come from the same plant which is called Camellia sinensis. Hence, some of the properties in both teas are inherited in equal levels. Then why is this debate around black tea vs green tea? Is there any difference between the two? Explore the research behind the difference between black tea vs green tea.
The Difference in Processing
In the debate between black tea vs green tea, the major difference lies in how they are processed. The processing affects the level of oxidation in each of them and hence both teas do not remain consumable for the same period after exposure to oxygen.
After being plucked green tea is oxidised until it's half done. On the other hand, black is fully oxidized. In the process of complete oxidation, there will no green left in the tea leaves in only be Brown or black.
The Difference in Sources
Camellia sinensis is the umbrella term it has many other varieties. One form of the plant is grown mainly in China while there are other forms present in different Asian countries. Green tea comes from Camellia sinensis which is grown primarily in China.
Black tea on the other hand can be produced through the Indian version of the Camellia sinensis called assamica. These teas inherit the present regional properties.
Traces of History
There is also a historical differentiation on where the teas were mainly grown before globalisation. Black tea was native to regions like China and India. Darjeeling and Assam are the hubs famous for black tea in the country. Nepal too is known for its speciality in black teas.
On the other hand, China and Japan were the central hubs of Green tea growing areas. There are also cultural ties related to why green tea is preferred in these regions. In the debate of black tea vs green tea, culture plays a crucial role.
Flavour and Aroma
In the debate of black tea vs green tea, the taste and aroma too are crucial figures. You can easily differentiate between the two teams on the basis of their flavours. Green tea is a delicately flavored beverage that has light natural flavours giving your taste the experience of nature.
Black tea on the other hand has a very robust flavour as it is rich in caffeine. As compared to the Chinese version, the Indian version of the tea is stronger in flavour. A cup of black tea is a great way to kick start your morning and have a productive day.
The Debate on Health
This section is the most important throughout the debate of black tea vs green tea. The reason why people are switching from coffee to tea is because of the health benefits that they offer. Here's how they can help you improve health and which tea provides you with what:
Brain Health
Caffeine content is it is a stimulant for the brain. It sets the nervous system to start working by inhibiting any neurotransmitter adenosine. Caffeine will also stimulate the release of transporters like dopamine and serotonin that are mood-enhancing.
All of this will result in a boost in mood, vigilance, short term recall, etc.
In addition, L-theanine is also a hormone that helps any eating the blood circulation in the brain. It performs this function by inhibiting the release of the barrier called GABA. While caffeine and L-theanine are both present in the tea the amount can vary.
In the debate of black tea vs green tea, the formar contains more caffeine than later one. Hence if you are looking for something that can replace coffee in your daily schedule the answer between black tea and green tea is the former.
Heart health
The Camellia sinensis plant is a power centre for the production of antioxidants.in the debate of Black tea vs green tea antioxidants there is no clear winner. Both of them have antioxidants like polyphenols.
Antioxidants when provided to the body will reduce radicalization and hence inflammation. Detoxing your body with antioxidants is a must. Flavonoids which is a subgroup of polyphenols too is great for the health of your body. It inhibits the formation of plaque in your heart and health-protecting you from heart diseases.
Both black tea and green tea help in the reduction of bad cholesterol in the body. All of this results in the protection of your heart from any kind of condition that may erupt like high blood pressure or even a stroke.
What Makes Them Different?
Black tea has More Caffeine and Theaflavins
As pointed out earlier black tea has more caffeine and hence it boosts your immunity and wellness. Black tea is also a richer source of Theaflavins than green one.
This results in more strong protection against radicalisation and protecting your heart. It is the process of reducing the blood sugar levels and cholesterol in your body.
Green Tea is Rich in EGCG
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG) is one important antioxidant that places wonderful results in your body. The potential benefits that EGCG offers you are:
- Aiding your receptors in the brain to function well and hence Calming your body down
- Reduces the effects of amyloid plaques and hence is great for people suffering from Alzheimer's.
- EGCH has shown potential effects in prohibiting cancer cells to multiply. Ham to this antioxidant can reduce the risk of cancer.
- Needless to point out since it is an antioxidant it will reduce bacteria formation in your body.
The Final Verdict
In the battle between black tea vs green tea, there cannot be a clear winner. Both of them are excellent for health and best too many beneficial effects for your health. Where black tea contains more caffeine and Theaflavins, green tea is more in EGCG. In addition, in the debate on Black tea vs green tea for weight loss, the latter is the winner.
However, if you are looking for a stronger beverage black tea can be your choice and if not choose the green one.