In this article, we explore green tea vs. black tea, what’s the difference and which one is better for you. Whether you are a newcomer to the world of tea or a longtime enthusiast, you likely have tasted both black tea and green tea before.
These two types of teas are a popular choice amongst different cultures globally, not only due to their remarkable taste but the nutritional benefits that follow. According to research, drinking tea regularly has shown lowering of LDL cholesterol (the bad kind of cholesterol).
But what exactly is the difference between the two teas and which one is the better choice for you if either?
Below we discuss some differences that you can consider the next time you decide to have a hot cuppa.
How They’re Processed
Both green and black tea come from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.
The key difference between the two lies in the way they are processed and the level of oxidation they are subjected to.
Oxidation simply means the amount of time the tea leaves are exposed to oxygen in the air.
Green tea leaves are not oxidised and black tea is 100% oxidised. As soon as they are plucked, green tea leaves are heated – usually by pan-frying – to stop the oxidation process.
Meanwhile, for black tea, the leaves are allowed to oxidize fully, giving them a nice brown or black hue.
Health Benefits of Green Tea and Black Tea
Key Benefits of both green tea and black tea:
- High in antioxidants
- Low in caffeine
- Metabolism boosting
- Boost focus
Beyond this, there are subtle differences between the health benefits that each tea offer. Green tea is rich in EGCG, which is a well-known antioxidant that helps in fighting various cardiovascular diseases.
Like green tea, black tea contains ample amounts of an amino acid known as L theanine. This component in tea helps us relax and concentrate better. However, the levels of L-Theanine in Matcha green tea are far higher due to the shading process prior to plucking the leaves!
Green tea is also a staple in many people’s diets, thanks to its detoxifying properties. Not only does it increase metabolism and help digest food, but it is also great at boosting immunity.
Black tea contains polyphenols, called theaflavins, that are unique to this certain type of tea only. These polyphenols are great at protecting us from free radical damage and can boost our body’s natural antioxidant production.
A review examining green tea studies found that people who drank 1-3 cups every day reduced their chances of a heart attack by 19%, compared to those who didn’t.
Similarly, drinking 3 cups of black tea was estimated to reduce heart disease risk by about 11%. When it comes to health benefits both green and black tea bring real health punches.
Green Tea vs Black Tea: Taste Differences
Black tea tends to have a stronger taste, with notes of malt, spice, and honey. These properties are much more robust in low grown African black teas whereas Chinese and Indian black teas tend to be grown at higher altitudes to produce a slightly more delicate flavour.
Green teas, conversely, have a lighter flavour with vegetal or nutty sweet notes. Green tea that comes from Japan is usually more savoury. Chinese green teas, on the other hand, are much more delicate, smooth and mellow with the smell of sweet greens.
Green Tea vs Black Tea: Which One is Better?
Green tea and black tea are both great varieties of tea that are loaded with health benefits.
Choosing which one is better comes down to your preference as both teas have their own beneficial effects.
Green tea usually contains a higher dose of antioxidants than black tea, which makes it great for those looking for detoxification and better immunity.
On the contrary, black tea has a more robust flavour so if you’re looking to swap out your morning coffee and you enjoy the stronger tastes then black tea could be for you.
At the end of the day, the evidence does not strongly favour one tea over the other. The two of them are great additions to your daily dietary regimen, both in terms of taste and nutritional profile.