Green Tea VS Black Tea – When comparing both these tea’s it is noted that they both have different benefits and different purposes. Here is a list of differences:
- Green tea is non-fermented. It contains powerful antioxidant EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) that prevents inflammation and fights many diseases. Also, the caffeine content is just 1/4th of coffee.
- Black tea is fermented. Its EGCG antioxidant is destroyed during the fermentation process. The amount of caffeine is 1/3rd of coffee.
These are just two very basic differences between these two. But, this topic is very vast and you should know every detail about both of them before choosing the best one for yourself. So, let’s discuss them in detail:
Green Tea VS Black Tea
Both these tea’s come from the same plant. This plant is known as Camellia Sinensis.
Green tea is the variety where the leaves of the plant are more matured and not oxidized (fermented). The flavonoids are all preserved into this type of tea. These flavonoids are called catechins and they are responsible for many health benefits. In addition, it is also rich in polyphenols that help fight diseases.
Black tea is the variety where the leaves are not too matured but they are fully oxidized. The flavonoids known as catechins are not preserved and therefore, they get converted into tannins. These tannins make the color of the tea dark. It contains lots of antioxidants so it also helps in improving your health.
Often people say “tea” is “tea” the color doesn’t really matter, but the fact is that it does matter in this case because they are both different.
[Also, read about Matcha Green Tea and Caffeine to know more about the benefits of this amazing variety of green tea.]
What is the difference between black tea and green tea?
The process of drying the leaves is the main cause behind their difference.
When the leaves are plucked, they are rolled and exposed to air. This starts the fermentation process. During this process, the color of the leaves changes to dark brown. It also enhances their flavor and intensity. These type of leaves are called Black Tea.
After plucking the leaves, they are pan-fried. This prevents the process of fermentation. When they are not fermented their color remains light. In addition, their aroma, flavor, and intensity also remain light. These type of leaves are called Green Tea.
Brewing process difference
The time and temperature used in brewing them are different from each other.
How to brew Black Tea?
To make one cup:
- Bring one cup of water to boil.
- Put 1 tsp of loose black tea leaves in a pot.
- Now pour the boiling hot water onto the leaves.
- Cover the lid of the pot.
- Let it steep for 5 minutes.
- Strain the tea in a cup.
- Enjoy your refreshing drink.
If you have tea bags then instead of putting it into a pot, just put it directly in your cup. Pour boiling hot water directly into your cup and let it steep for 5 minutes. After that discard the bags and enjoy your drink.
How to brew Green Tea?
To make one cup:
- Heat water to approx 80°C or 176°F
- Pour this warm water into a cup.
- Take the tea bag and put it into the water.
- Steep for 3 minutes.
- Discard the tea bag.
- Enjoy your drink.
If you have loose tea leaves then place them in a pot and pour warm water on it. Let it steep for 3 minutes. Then strain the tea in a cup, discard the used leaves and enjoy your drink.
So, if you are thinking…
Which is healthier green tea or black tea?
Some health benefits are similar in both of them, while some are different. Let’s discuss all of them to decide which one is healthier.
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Good for your heart
Both of these teas contain a certain type of protective antioxidants. These antioxidants are known as polyphenols.
To be more precise, these polyphenols are actually flavonoids. However, the amount and type of these flavonoids differ in both the teas.
For example, Green tea contains ECGC, whereas Black tea contains theaflavins. These are both different types of flavonoids. However, they are both good for your heart.
According to one animal study, both these type of tea were found to be equally effective in improving heart health by preventing the formation of plaque in the blood vessels.
The lowest dose prevented up to 26% of formation, while the highest dose prevented up to 68% of the formation. Also, it was reported that LDL cholesterol (bad type of cholesterol) and triglycerides were reduced.
Another study revealed that they help in lowering high blood pressure levels. One more study showed that people who drank 1-3 cups daily of any of these teas had a lower risk of getting a heart attack and stroke.
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Improve brain function
All types of tea contain caffeine, however, the amount may differ. It is a well-known fact that caffeine is a natural stimulant.
This is one of the main reasons why coffee is so popular worldwide. People drink coffee every day because the caffeine in it acts as a stimulant.
As far as improving brain function is concerned, the caffeine in your tea stimulates your nervous system. This is done by blocking the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine.
It also enhances your mood by releasing dopamine and serotonin. Both of these are chemicals (hormones) that are released in your brain and they are responsible for improving your mood. This is almost the same kind of effect that you can get with Nootropics also. It is another reason why caffeine is so addictive.
In addition, caffeine improves brain functions like alertness, mood, reaction time, short-term recall, vigilance and more.
Both these type of tea are better than coffee because they contain a powerful amino acid L-theanine.
This L-theanine helps to improve alertness while keeping you relaxed. It also releases dopamine and serotonin hormones. In fact, it balances the effects of caffeine.
Here are few more frequently asked questions:
Can Green Tea help you lose weight?
In simpler words, Yes. Green tea helps with weight loss.
It is probably the most asked question about this tea. Even tea producers/sellers also market it as a weight loss tea all over the world. Honestly, this is just one of it’s benefits.
When you drink this tea, it naturally increases your metabolism. This means that your body starts burning fat and calories more rapidly and as a result, you lose weight.
However, if you expect that you will have magical weight loss results by just drinking Green Tea then, you will be disappointed. It does reduce weight but not to an extent that you can say, “Oh! finally I have found the ultimate weight loss solution.”
So, if you want to lose weight then, you should start doing some kind of physical activity also. For example – running, swimming, dancing or any other exercise like cardio or strength training. In addition, you can also start taking a natural supplement and our number one recommendation is PhenQ.
We are recommending PhenQ only because it does NOT contain any chemicals. All of the ingredients in this supplement are 100% natural and organic only. Also, it is clinically proven to burn fat and calories, suppress appetite, increase metabolism and improve energy levels.
For amazing weight loss results, start exercising along with taking the PhenQ supplement and also start drinking Green Tea because that will improve your entire health.
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Does green tea have more antioxidants than black tea?
Both green tea and black tea contain almost similar amounts of antioxidants. However, the type of antioxidants and the health benefits associated with them is different. You might have already read the difference in their type of antioxidants in the a
rticle above.
Although black tea is more fermented or oxidized than other teas, still it has a very high amount of antioxidants. This is the reason why it is also considered to be heart-healthy.
It is already mentioned above that both these type of tea contain L-theanine which is extremely beneficial for enhancing mood. You should also know one thing that the amount of L-theanine in green tea is more in comparison to black tea.
Does green tea have as much caffeine as black tea?
Although, green tea contains lower caffeine than black tea but it can vary depending on the brand and type of tea that you are using.
In a study, it was noted that 8 ounces of Green tea contains around 35 mg of caffeine, whereas, black tea contains double this amount.
I thought black tea did not have any antioxidants at all but after reading this comparison I am really surprised. I will definitely start drinking Black tea also from now on 🙂
That’s great! Black Tea is highly underrated, people think that it doesn’t have any health benefits but the fact is that it is actually a healthy tea.
I read somewhere that Green Tea should be mixed with lemon juice otherwise it is not healthy. Is it true?
I squeeze half-a-lemon in my black tea and it tastes very refreshing, btw very nice article 🙂
I prefer green tea over anything else
I am trying to cut down my caffeine intake so I have switched to green tea from coffee and let me tell you I don’t regret this switch over.
I prefer black tea more than green tea
Green tea is much better than any other caffeinated drink and I drink at least 3 cups of green tea daily and believe me I have had amazing health benefits.
wow thanks for this detailed difference between green tea and black tea
green tea is very beneficial.
Please also write about Oolong tea
Green tea is my favorite
I am trying to switch over to black tea from coffee. I really liked all this information