If all teas come from the Camellia sinesis plant, why do they look so different?
And is one better than the other?
When I first became serious about tea, I was shocked to learn that all teas (aside from tisanes) came from the same plant. For some reason, in all my years of being alive, it had never crossed my mind.
Maybe you feel similarly having just found out. Or you’re considering making the switch from one tea to another and need to know more before making a decision.
Whatever it is, I’m here to help!
Here we’ll dive into the unique properties of black and green tea and unravel the many benefits they can offer your health.
Contents
Origin
Did you know that what is referred to as Black Tea by the West is also known as Red Tea in China (and parts of South East Asia) because of the reddish tinge it gives off when brewed?
Black Tea
Black teas are derived from the Camellia sinesis plant, which is native to China and parts of South East Asia. But what was once discovered thousands of years ago has made its way around the globe. Today, countries including Kenya, Sri Lanka, and India are some of the key players in the global export of Black Tea. And many of the varieties and rich flavors people enjoy worldwide exist due to the diverse climate, harvesting, and processing techniques used in these regions.
Examples of Black Teas: Earl Grey, Darjeeling, and Assam Tea.
Green Tea
Green teas are also derived from the Camellia sinesis plant. But unlike black teas, which are widely harvested around the world, green teas are more exclusively found in East Asia. Today China, and Japan, continue to be the biggest exporters and consumers of green tea due to their long and rich cultural history. Nevertheless, Green Tea is slowly becoming more popular world wide as more people learn about its incredible health benefits and versatility.
Examples of Green Teas: Sencha, Kabusecha, Matcha.
Processing
The length of the oxidation (aka fermentation) process is what ultimately determines the flavor, aroma, and color of the tea, along with its classification. Longer oxidation = darker leaves. Less oxidation = lighter leaves.
Black Tea
After being plucked, black teas are dried, then allowed to oxidize until the leaves are fully fermented. When this happens, the tea leaves become dark and gain a rich, strong flavor which we get in black tea. This breakdown also increases the amount of caffeine in black tea.
Green Tea
Green teas are made from tea leaves that are immediately heated or steamed after harvesting to stop the oxidation process. This lack of oxidation is what gives green tea its bright green color and mild flavor. Green teas also have higher antioxidant levels compared to Black Teas because of this process.
Caffeine
If you’re looking for a pick me up, the natural reaction might be to turn to caffeine. Both black and green tea have caffeine but black teas typically (but not always) contain higher concentrations.
Black Tea
Black teas contain between 40-60 mg of caffeine per 8 oz (237 ml) cup ,which is more than other teas. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the type of black tea, preparation method, and the amount you use will affect your caffeine content.
Additionally, for those with sensitive stomachs, remember that moderation is key as caffeine increases stomach acidity.
Green Tea
Green teas contain about 30 mg of caffeine per 8 oz (237 ml) cup . However, this may vary depending on the type of green tea, preparation method, and the amount you use.
Tip: Read the back of your tea packet to learn more about caffeine content.
Health Benefits
Both black and green teas have been used in Chinese Traditional Medicine for thousands of years. With references to their use to help with digestion and other ailments dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). In recent years they have been increasingly studied by the scientific community due to their high levels of antioxidants which protect cells from free radicals and are linked to various illnesses including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory diseases.
But does one tea offer more health benefits than the other?
Black Tea
While there remains more research to be done on the health benefits of black tea, here are some of the most commonly cited benefits of drinking black tea up to date.
Top 5 health benefits of drinking black tea:
- Reduces stress and anxiety: Black tea contains high levels of L-theanine which is believed to play a role in reducing stress hormones.
- Promotes heart health: One study conducted in over 400,000 men and women found that drinking black tea was associated with a lower risk of death from all cardiovascular diseases, ischemic heart disease, and stroke.
- Improves alertness: High levels of L-theanine and caffeine may help boost focus and alertness.
- Improves gut health: Polyphenols in black tea are thought to promote the growth of good gut bacteria.
- Boosts immune health and reduces inflammation: There is some evidence to suggest that flavonols in Black tea may reduce markers of inflammation and boost immune health.
Green Teas
The debate on whether green tea has more health benefits than black tea due to its higher antioxidant levels is ongoing, with some studies supporting the claim and others finding comparable or higher levels of antioxidants in some black tea. Ultimately, the concentration of antioxidants depends on various factors including tea plant species, growing conditions, processing, and storage methods.
Top 5 health benefits of drinking green tea:
- Helps promote weight loss: Some studies have shown that caffeine and catecachins (a natural antioxidant) found in green tea may help with weight loss by increasing metabolism and reducing fat absorption.
- Reduces risk of diabetes: There haven’t been enough studies on humans to establish a strong correlation between drinking green tea and lowered risk of type 2 diabetes. However, some studies suggest that green tea may help reduce risk of type 2 diabetes by improving glycemic control and reducing glucose metabolism.
- Improves alertness: Caffeine and L-theanine found in green tea may improve alertness, and focus without leaving you with the jittery feeling that coffee does.
- Promotes heart health: Antioxidants in green tea may reduce the risk of heart-related diseases by decreasing oxidative stress, and preventing inflammatory events.
- Reduces stress and anxiety: Green tea generally has higher levels of L-theanine compared to black tea which is known for promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Are there any risks to drinking Tea?
Anything in excess may be bad for you which is why moderation when drinking green or black tea is always recommended. Take note of the amount of caffeine you’re drinking, and any additions you make to your tea. Adding excessive amounts of sugar, and milk to your tea may lead to weight gain and chronic illnesses including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Additionally, having too much caffeine can lead to the jitters, or an upset stomach.
Black tea vs. Green tea: What are the Major Differences?
So what are the major differences between black and green tea? Here’s a summary.
Black Tea | Green Tea |
---|---|
Black leaves | Green leaves |
Reddish or dark brown when brewed | Green, yellowish, or light brown when brewed |
More popular in the US | More popular in Japan |
Typically fully oxidized | Not fully oxidized |
Bold, robust flavour | Lighter, grassy flavour |
Lower Antioxidant levels generally | Higher Antioxidant levels generally |
Contains caffeine: ~ 40-60 mg per 8 oz. cup | Contains caffeine: ~ 30 mg per 8 oz. cup |
Lower L-Theanine levels generally | Higher L-Theanine levels generally |
May help promote better heart health, improve alertness, boost gut health | May help with blood sugar regulation, promote weight loss, reduce stress |
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