General Physician | 5 min read
Green Tea Vs Black Tea: Comparison of Top Benefits
Medically reviewed by
- Table of Content
Key Takeaways
- Green tea increases immunity and acts as a detoxifier
- Black tea benefits you by improving your heart health
- Use black or green tea leaves to drink as per your taste
A refreshing cup of tea can boost your energy when you feel lazy, tired, anxious or stressed. Its energy-boosting properties are what make this beverage a popular one all over the world. You have the option of choosing from more than three thousand varieties, among which black and green tea are the most common. The different ways of collecting and processing the leaves are what makes them two unique, and their taste is what makes them popular. Their unique properties and many people preferring one over the other sparks the green tea vs. black tea debate. But is one really more beneficial than the other? Read on to find out the truth.
What is the process of making green tea vs. black tea?
Green tea leaves used in the drink do not go through any external process. On the other hand, black tea leaves go through various processes before being available to you.
Green tea
- Leaves are collected and dried up
- Then they are warmed by frying or steam
- This is to prevent oxidation
- This, in turn, maintains the color and flavor of the tea
Black tea
- Leaves are collected, withered, and later crumbled and carved
- They are then oxidized, giving the leaves their dark color
- After the oxidation takes place, these are hydrated
- They get a stronger aroma and a different essence
Health benefits of green tea vs. black tea
Given their unique properties, both black and green tea provides a wide range of benefits. Here are some of them.
Black tea benefits
Protects your cardiovascular system
High cholesterol levels make your health vulnerable to a number of conditions. Black tea benefits your heart health because it contains flavonoids. Flavonoids are antioxidants that help protect your heart from conditions like high cholesterol, obesity, and high blood pressure. Chinese black tea helps reduce your risk of heart disease and obesity by improving your cholesterol levels [1].
Keeps gut healthy
Your gut health is essential in ensuring your overall health. There is a large number of bacteria in your gut, out of which some may harm your health while others may help keep you healthy. Black tea contains polyphenols which improve the production of good bacteria. It also helps stop bad bacteria from growing in your gut.
Boosts brain health
Black tea is a common beverage that people choose to drink to stay more focused and alert. But why? Because it contains caffeine and amino acids. These properties are why black tea benefits your brain by improving your alertness and focus. And black tea also contains a comparatively less amount of caffeine than an actual coffee. This helps you avoid the negative effects of excessive caffeine.
Green tea benefits
Promotes weight loss
One of the most sought-after benefits of green tea is how it can help you lose weight faster with the aid of exercise and a healthy diet. Metabolism plays a crucial role in helping you lose weight. Since green tea helps boost your metabolism, it also helps you lose extra weight.
When you drink green tea, you get the benefit of some of its components that benefit your metabolism. These are catechins and caffeine. Moreover, green tea also keeps you satiated for a longer period which helps you avoid succumbing to unhealthy cravings. All of this ultimately leads you to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight.
Helps in preventing cancer
Oxidative damage can cause you to have chronic inflammation, which has its own downsides. It can lead to severe conditions, including cancer. A high intake of antioxidants can help prevent cancers by protecting your body from oxidative damage. Research suggests that green tea can help your body prevent colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer [2] [3] [4]. The possible reason behind this is EGCG, an antioxidant to prevent oxidative damage.
Acts as a detoxifier and boosts immunity
Research suggests that consumption of green tea can help remove toxins from your body [5]. This detoxifying benefit of green tea leads to better skin health and immunity. It is also less acidic for your body and boosts your metabolism too. Moreover, green tea helps stimulate your immunity because of the tannins present in it. These are components that enhance your immune system’s ability to fight against infections and viruses.
Additional Read: What is Caffeine: Learn About its Benefits and Side EffectsGreen tea vs. black tea: What to choose?
Keep in mind that the above is not a complete list of green and black tea benefits. These teas also have other benefits that are similar too. Considering this, you can choose whichever tea you like the best. If you have a particular goal to achieve, choose the tea that helps you achieve it.
Understanding small differences in how nutrition impacts your body can go a long way in maintaining your health and well-being. While choosing suitable kinds of tea or any other health drinks, consider what will benefit your condition the most. Get a doctor consultation online on Bajaj Finserv Health to understand nutrition better and create a healthy diet for yourself. You can also get guidance on the latest health trends with experts available on the platform, all from the comfort of your home. Knowledge is power, and once you start prioritizing your health, there is no looking back. Start your healthy journey today!
- References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19083445
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28454102/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19437116/
- https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/167/1/71/185454
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26380240
- Disclaimer
Please note that this article is solely meant for informational purposes and Bajaj Finserv Health Limited (“BFHL”) does not shoulder any responsibility of the views/advice/information expressed/given by the writer/reviewer/originator. This article should not be considered as a substitute for any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with your trusted physician/qualified healthcare professional to evaluate your medical condition. The above article has been reviewed by a qualified doctor and BFHL is not responsible for any damages for any information or services provided by any third party.