Green Tea vs. Black Tea: What Are the Main Differences to Consider?
Visit the tea aisle of any store and the choices will amaze you. With so many flavors and varieties to select from, a person may not know which to choose. Two popular options with consumers today are green tea and black tea. While there are similarities between the two, there are differences people need to be aware of. For instance, caffeine content and antioxidant profiles are distinct. Knowing this information makes it easier to determine which product is right for you.
Production
All teas, whether they are white, black, green, or oolong, come from Camellia sinensis. Each type undergoes different processing methods that provide them with their unique flavor and color. Black teas are scrunched and curled to allow for oxidation, as this starts the fermentation process. The tea may be fermented for one to four hours, and the length of time this process is allowed to continue determines the color and flavor of the tea. Black tea is known for its earthy, smoky flavor, although some flavors have a hint of nuts or caramel. Be sure to head to ahmadteausa.com so you can see some of these varieties and find the one you prefer.
Green tea isn’t fermented, and this allows it to retain the green color. At times, consumers steam the leaves immediately after they are picked to enhance the green color. Others, however, prefer to pan-toast them to stop the oxidation process. Green tea has a sharp taste to it, one that is slightly grassy, and it can be astringent. People shouldn’t drink the tea on an empty stomach due to this.
Antioxidants
Black tea contains antioxidants due to the fermentation process it undergoes. This drink has no fat, protein, or calories, and it isn’t a good source of vitamins and minerals. The antioxidants are what make it so powerful. Black tea contains catechins which are converted to theaflavins and thearubigins during fermentation. Studies show black tea supports cellular health along with healthy cholesterol levels in animals, and it is believed the same is true for humans.
Green tea likewise contains antioxidants that are beneficial to humans. While catechins come with a different structure, they supply many of the same benefits seen with theaflavins. As this type of tea undergoes less processing than its black counterpart, it tends to have a higher concentration of antioxidants. Fewer catechins are destroyed and degraded due to reduced processing. Free radicals are generated by the oxidative process and damaged cells as well as their DNA. Catechins in the tea help to stop further damage, which is why this beverage is commonly recommended for those looking to support their cellular health.
While green and black tea differs in terms of their antioxidant compound profiles, both support optimal health. When a person goes to choose tea at the store, either type will provide benefits. Often, it’s a matter of taste when the time comes to choose.
Additional Differences
Men and women across the globe turn to coffee in the morning to get their caffeine fix before starting the day. A person who would like to switch to tea in the morning can do so easily. Black tea offers an average of 47 mg of caffeine per cup, while regular coffee provides roughly 137 mg per cup. Green tea, on the other hand, supplies about 30 mg per cup or less. For this reason, many people choose black tea for breakfast and reserve the cup of green tea for an afternoon treat.
Tea is often touted as a weight management tool and there is some truth to this claim. Polyphenols found in green tea help support healthy metabolism and weight management. Nevertheless, black tea may be better for this purpose. The polyphenols found in black tea appear to be more potent in this area, and compounds found in the tea may inhibit the digestion and absorption of certain calories, those coming from carbs and fat. In addition, they appear to help break down existing stores of body fat.
One key difference consumers need to be aware of when it comes to green and black tea is brewing differences. Prepare green tea with hot water, not boiling, and steep for no more than three minutes. If the water is hotter than 180 degrees Fahrenheit, the tea won’t be flavorful. Black tea is oxidized and fermented, allowing it to be prepared with boiling water and brewed for a longer period of time. Be aware that the flavor does get stronger the longer the tea steeps. It may become slightly bitter, so each person needs to determine how long they wish to allow the tea to steep before drinking it.
Health Benefits
Both green and black tea provide health benefits, such as protecting heart health. The flavonoids found in black and green tea help to prevent the formation of plaque in the blood vessels while reducing LDL or bad cholesterol and triglycerides. Brain function improves with the consumption of either tea. Mood, short-term recall, and reaction time are three areas that are boosted thanks to the caffeine found in the tea.
Green tea is believed to be of help in preventing several types of cancer, including breast and prostate cancer, along with Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals say they become calm and relaxed after consuming green tea, and it may even prevent virus transmission. Black tea, in contrast, helps to support healthy weight management while protecting fat cells that are in danger of being damaged by free radicals. It may also help the body produce antioxidants naturally.
Visit the tea aisle the next time you go grocery shopping. Now that you have a better understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of black and green tea, you can better determine which product to buy. However, many individuals find they have more choices when they choose to shop online. This is an option everyone should research, was there are so many flavors and varieties to choose from. You don’t want to miss out on a great beverage because you limited yourself to local options. Don’t make this mistake.
Explore all black and green tea options to find your favorites today.