Both black and green tea are thought to have several health benefits, but have you ever wondered which one, black or green, is better for you? Continue reading to find out.
When we feel stressed, tired, anxious, or confused, we often find relaxing with a cup of tea and improving our mood helpful. However, maintaining vigour is physically impossible, and it is acceptable to feel lethargic or exhausted sometimes.
Tea has been shown to have calming effects and positive effects on mood and energy levels. It is an essential component of diets designed to cleanse the body and promote weight loss.
Tea has been shown to improve mood and make one feel refreshed after drinking it. Those working towards fitness typically favour black tea or green tea. The source of both teas is a plant known as Camellia Sinensis. The plant's highest bloom and leaves are removed by the harvesters. Afterwards, these leaves may turn black or green, depending on how they are processed.
Manufacturing: Green Tea Vs. Black Tea
The leaves are plucked, collected, dried, and immediately reheated through pan frying or steaming to make green tea. By preventing oxidation, the leaves maintain their fresh flavour and colour.
To make black tea, leaves are picked when they are withered, crumbled, curled, cracked, or bent and then allowed to oxidise before drying. The final leaves are deeper and brownish and have a more vital essence and aroma as the enzymes in the leaves undergo oxidation.
Common Benefits Of Black And Green Tea
Here are some similar health benefits of black tea and green tea, other than weight loss.
1. Cardiovascular Health
Polyphenols are a class of protective antioxidants abundant in green and black tea. They specifically contain flavonoids, which are a subclass of polyphenols. Studies discovered that tea varieties lowered triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol. Additionally, two assessments of over ten high-quality studies found that green and black tea can lower blood pressure.
2. Enhances Brain Function
Caffeine, a well-known stimulant, may be found in green and black tea. Approximately 35 mg of caffeine is present in an 8-ounce (230 ml) cup of green tea, compared to 39-109 mg in the same black tea.
Caffeine activates your neurological system by inhibiting the neurotransmitter adenosine, an inhibitor. Additionally, it promotes the production of neurotransmitters that elevate moods, such as dopamine and serotonin. As a result, caffeine can improve vigilance, mood, alertness, reaction time, and short-term memory.
Health Benefits Of Green Tea
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a powerful antioxidant, is abundant in green tea (EGCG). Although green tea also includes other polyphenols like catechin and gallic acid, EGCG is the most potent and is thought to be the primary factor in the health benefits of green tea. Benefits of the EGCG in green tea:
- According to research conducted in test tubes, the EGCG in green tea can prevent cancer cells from proliferating and even result in the death of cancer cells.
- EGCG has been demonstrated to lessen fatty liver formation in mice when fed a high-fat diet.
- According to a study, mice who drank a beverage containing EGCG had longer swimming distances before becoming exhausted than mice who drank water.
- EGCG has been demonstrated to lessen fatty liver formation in mice fed a high-fat diet.
- This antioxidant may even limit the spread of some viruses and harm bacterial cell walls. It could interact with brain receptors to have a relaxing impact on your body.
Health Benefits Of Black Tea
A class of polyphenols called theaflavins is specific to black tea. They constitute 3-6% of all the polyphenols in black tea and are produced during oxidation. Theaflavins have various health advantages, many connected to their capacity as antioxidants.
- These polyphenols may help your body's natural antioxidant production and shield fat cells from oxidative harm.
- Additionally, they might safeguard your blood vessels and heart.
- Theaflavins have been shown in one animal study to reduce the risk of blood vessel plaque formation by lowering inflammation and boosting the availability of nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to expand.
- Theaflavins have also been demonstrated to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels drastically.
The Bottom Line
Black and green tea have several health benefits. Although green tea may have more potent antioxidants than black tea, the research does not recommend one tea over the other. Both include the soothing amino acid L-theanine as well as the stimulant caffeine.
Black tea can be a decent option if you are seeking a caffeine boost. On the other hand, you might select green tea if your body is sensitive to caffeine. Green tea may have a slightly higher antioxidant profile than black tea. In essence, both are excellent dietary complements.
