Green Tea vs Black Tea Which One Is Healthier

Both green and black tea are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The key difference between the two is that black tea is fermented and green tea is not.

Both green and black tea are rich in a group of protective antioxidants called flavonoids a subgroup of polyphenols.

However, they differ in the type and amount of flavonoids. For example, green tea contains a much higher amount of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), whereas black tea is a rich source of theaflavins.

Studies have found that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in green tea has the following actions on:

• Cancer: Test-tube studies have found that EGCG in green tea can inhibit the multiplication of cancer cells and cause cancer cell death.
• Liver protection: EGCG has been shown to reduce the development of fatty liver in mice on a high-fat diet.
• Anti-microbial: This antioxidant can cause damage to bacterial cell walls and may even reduce the transmission of some viruses.

Theaflavins are a group of polyphenols that are unique to black tea.

• They can protect fat cells from damage by free radicals and may support your body’s natural antioxidant production.
• In addition, theaflavins have been shown to significantly reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

The flavonoids in both green and black tea are thought to protect your heart. Also, both types of tea helped reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and can lower your blood pressure as well.

Green and black tea both contain caffeine, a known stimulant.

Caffeine stimulates your nervous system by blocking the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine. It also aids the release of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin.

As a result, caffeine can boost alertness, mood, vigilance, reaction time and short-term recall.

Green and black teas also contain the amino acid L-theanine, which thought to cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger the release of an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which brings about a relaxed but alert state.

Which One Should You Drink?

Green and black tea have similar benefits.

Though both contain caffeine, black tea usually has more — making green the better choice for people sensitive to this stimulant. Furthermore, green tea contains more L-theanine, an amino acid which is calming and can balance the effects of caffeine.

Keep in mind that both black and green tea contain tannins, which can bind to minerals and reduce their absorption capacity. Therefore, tea may be best consumed between meals.

Green tea may have a slightly better antioxidant profile than black tea, but black tea is best if you want a powerful caffeine buzz.

The truth is, both are great additions to your diet.