April 28, 2022
Green Tea or Black Tea: Which One is Healthier?
The cultural practice of making and drinking tea dates back thousands of years. Throughout time tea has been considered to have many benefits for both the body and the mind. With modern medicine, we can produce scientific evidence of both green and black tea's various benefits.
Benefits of Both Black & Green Tea
Whether you are enjoying a cup of black or green tea, you drink from the same plant. The Camellia Sinensis plant produces both teas; it’s processing the leaves that lend to the different tastes, colours, and benefits. Black tea undergoes oxidation which heightens and intensifies the taste. Green tea processing, on the other hand, involves no oxidation and results in a lighter colour variety. Some believe the oxidation of the variety reduces some of the beneficial aspects.
Can Help Protect Heart Health
Both herbal teas are considered to be beneficial to heart health. Polyphenols, a protective group of antioxidants, are present in both. While both varieties are rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, the teas differ in levels and types. Both flavonoids and antioxidants can help heart health through a reduction in plaque formation in blood vessels.
Both teas can help with blood pressure and bad cholesterol. Studies have also shown that those who drink one to three cups every day have a lower risk of stroke and heart attack. Avid tea drinkers were also shown to have a lower risk of heart disease.
Both teas can help with blood pressure and bad cholesterol. Studies have also shown that those who drink one to three cups every day have a lower risk of stroke and heart attack. Avid tea drinkers were also shown to have a lower risk of heart disease.
Can Help Improve Brain Function
While tea may contain caffeine like coffee, it has the added benefit of the amino acid L-theanine. L-theanine helps produce a focused yet relaxed mindset by crossing the blood-brain barrier and triggering the beneficial GABA neurotransmitter release. Many consider this amino acid as the key to balancing the adverse jittery or anxious effects of caffeine as it helps to reduce mood-boosting serotonin and dopamine.
Great Coffee Alternatives
That first-morning cup of coffee is a great way to get your day started with some caffeine. Those who experience unwanted restlessness from coffee may benefit from switching to herbal teas. Both green and black teas have less caffeine than coffee, without the jitters or restlessness associated with a freshly brewed cup of joe. Caffeine helps to stimulate your nervous system and block neurotransmitter inhibitors like adenosine. Drinking caffeine also helps to release mood-enhancing transmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Caffeine's beneficial effects on the mind can help boost mood, short-term memory, and focus.
Green Tea Health Benefits
Green tea is fragrant and lightly coloured. While similar to black tea, it has its range of health benefits. In general, green tea is higher in beneficial L-theanine and antioxidants. It’s slightly lower in caffeine which may help those who are sensitive to the stimulant. Those looking to try high-quality varieties will be extremely satisfied with the rich aroma and flavour of Ceylon Green Dynasty Tea from Health Embassy.
EGCG Antioxidant
Green tea has more variety of antioxidants than black tea overall. The most impressive being the EGCG antioxidant. With various test tube studies, polyphenol poses the potential for powerful health benefits. Studies on EGCG have shown that it may inhibit the growth of cancer cells while also killing them. It’s also been shown to reduce the harmful effects of Alzheimer's and protect the liver. In addition to all these studies, EGCG has shown calming, anti-microbial, and anti-fatigue properties.
Black Tea Health Benefits
Black tea is a darker colour with a more robust flavour than its green alternative. Both varieties are beneficial to health, but black tea boasts some benefits that are less present in green tea. Through black tea's oxidation process, powerful antioxidants called theaflavins are released. Because green tea is not oxidized, theaflavins are unique to black teas. If you are looking for a great black tea to get started on your health journey, try Yunnan Black Dynasty Tea from Health Embassy. The gourmet Chinese tea boasts a sweet and gentle aroma.
Theaflavins
Theaflavins boast a wide range of protective antioxidant properties. They have been shown to help protect fat cells from free radicals. The powerful polyphenol can also help the body in its natural antioxidant production. Studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties of theaflavins showed a reduction in plaque formation in blood vessels. With studies showing a significant reduction in cholesterol and blood sugar, black tea boasts impressive health benefits. The variety also may promote the breakdown of fat cells for weight management.
Our Verdict
Both teas are delicious and boast a wide range of health benefits for the body and mind. While they may differ in some aspects, both aid in various bodily processes and may help fight various diseases and health issues. Green tea seems to boast a broader range of benefits, but the theaflavins in black tea are unique and impressive. Overall, we'd recommend healthy incorporation of both varieties to experience a wide range of health benefits from each.
