Common questions often arise amongst tea drinkers when it comes to the difference between green tea and black tea, and people are often left scratching their heads when it comes down to the most important one: which one is healthier?
Despite assumptions that one might contain less caffeine, antioxidants, and so on, it is very rare that a conclusion is reached when it comes to the healthier option.
If you want to know more about the health benefits of green and black tea, read on.
The Heart of the Question
Despite having differences, green tea and black tea have some things in common, all of which are health related.
Firstly, both are rich in polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that protects your heart.
These antioxidants also reduce bad cholesterol, as well as lowering your blood pressure and reducing the risk of a stroke or heart attack.
Both green tea and black tea also contain caffeine which boosts your nervous system, allowing you to function for longer when working or socialising.
When it comes to green tea vs black tea, benefits such as these are reassuring, as it’s good to know that whichever you prefer, both are doing you good.
— The Power of Green Tea —
Despite both teas having cancer-fighting benefits, green tea holds some extra weight when it comes to one specific characteristic.
This characteristic comes in the form of EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), a catechin that regulates gene activity in cancer cells.
Not only this, but EGCG is also known to reduce the harmful effects of amyloid plaques which accumulate in Alzheimer’s patients, as well as having anti-microbial benefits.
Find out if green tea has caffeine here.
— The Power of Black Tea —
Even though green tea has these very significant benefits, black tea has got a few tricks up its sleeve, particularly in the form of a group of polyphenols called theaflavins.
As an antioxidant, theaflavins have cardiovascular benefits as they lower the chances of plaque forming in your blood vessels.
They also significantly reduce blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels, improving blood vessel function if you have coronary artery disease.
Which One Should I Choose?
The difference between green tea and black tea seems slight, but these slight differences actually give you a lot to think about, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine.
Whilst both have significant benefits when it comes to antioxidants, it is generally thought that green tea is more beneficial in this regard.
That said, black tea is just as good as green tea when it comes to heart health. It also contains more caffeine, making it a good compromise for boosting brain function if coffee isn’t your thing.
View our Loose Leaf Tea range
If you want to find out more about green tea or black tea, there is a range of options for you to explore at Leaf Tea Shop.
Check out the different types of green tea and black tea which we sell online.
