Green Tea Vs. Black Tea
If you enjoy a steaming cup of tea, you’re not alone. Tea is one of the most popular beverages in the world, enjoyed by people all over the globe. Many people drink tea regularly as part of their daily routine, but few are aware of the potential health benefits that this simple beverage can provide.
With so many different types of tea to choose from, each with its own unique flavor and taste, you will never get bored. So which type should you choose: green tea or black tea? Let’s take a closer look at the differences between these two types of tea and find out which one is right for you.
Green Tea Vs. Black Tea at a Glance
In a hurry? Here are the main advantages and disadvantages of these two teas.
Green Tea Advantages:
- Green tea has been shown to boost metabolism and help with weight loss
- Green tea is a natural detoxifier and helps the body eliminate toxins
- Green tea is rich in antioxidants which can help protect cells from damage
- Green tea has been shown to lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health: it has been linked to lower rates of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions
- Green tea improves brain function
- Lightly caffeinated (this can be a pro or a con depending on your goals!)
Green Tea Disadvantages:
- Can taste bitter when it is over-brewed
- Contains tannins which can reduce iron absorption
- Contains oxalic acid which increases your risk of kidney stones
- Contains caffeine (this can be a pro or a con depending on your goals)
Black Tea Advantages:
- Black tea has been shown to improve mental performance and cognitive function
- Black tea can help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer
- Black tea is a great source of antioxidants, which helps fight off free radicals in the body
- Black tea drinkers have lower rates of type II diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease
Black Tea Disadvantages:
- Contains tannins which can reduce iron absorption
- Can taste bitter when it is over-brewed
- Contains oxalic acid which increases your risk of kidney stones
- Contains caffeine (this can be a pro or a con depending on your goals)
Winner: Don’t have time to read the full article? The editor’s choice is green tea due to its higher antioxidant levels and the long-lasting energy it gives. However, both are great options that can energize you and provide many perks. Both of these teas have different health benefits that could make either a better fit depending on your needs.
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– Antioxidants
Antioxidants are bioactive compounds that combat oxidative stress. This is important because oxidative stress leads to numerous non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, different types of cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Antioxidants are considered health superheroes because they fight free radicals in the body and help restore optimal health.
The polyphenols in teas are known antioxidants [1]. So when it comes to the health benefits and differences between green tea and black tea, it in large part comes down to antioxidants. While both green tea and black tea contain antioxidants, the amounts and types of antioxidants differ.
Green tea contains more antioxidants than any other type of tea. It has high levels of active catechins and epigallocatechin gallate, which act as powerful antioxidants that fight cancer and inflammation.
Black tea is also rich in flavonoids, another type of antioxidant. Flavonoids have been shown to offer a number of health benefits, including reducing inflammation and protecting against heart disease and cancer.
Verdict: Both green tea and black tea contains healthy antioxidants. However, green tea’s higher levels make it the clear winner here!
– Caffeine Content
Green tea and black tea contain similar ranges of caffeine, ranging from about 30-50 mg of caffeine per serving.
However, the caffeine in green tea has a different effect than the caffeine in black tea due to the addition of L-Theanine. This combination slows down caffeine absorption and stretches it throughout your day. With green tea, instead of having a caffeine high and then an energy crash, you get prolonged, smooth energy throughout your day. L-Theanine supports calm and focus, helping you be more productive. [2]
Of course, caffeine can cause problems in some people like anxiety, insomnia, and digestive distress. To avoid problems from caffeine consumption, we suggest drinking caffeine before noon and in moderation.
Verdict: both are great, and it depends on your goals! If you want a quick energy boost, black tea is the way to go. If you want slow-burning energy that lasts all day, green tea is your best bet.
– Tannins and Oxalic Acid
Have you ever heard of oxalic acid and tannins? They are important to be aware of because they impact your digestion. Both green tea and black tea contain oxalic acid and tannins, whereas most herbal teas do not.
Oxalic acid is an organic compound called an antinutrient. This antinutrient binds to minerals in your digestive system and prevents your body from absorbing them. For instance, many leafy greens are high in both calcium and oxalic acid, which prevents too-high levels of calcium from being absorbed into the body.
Many healthy foods contain oxalic acid, but your doctor may recommend avoiding these acids if you are prone to kidney stones.
Tannins, like oxalic acid, interfere with our body’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients like iron in our food. They are water-soluble polyphenols common in many plant foods, and it is important to know that green tea and black tea contain higher levels of tannins than herbal teas.
Verdict: It’s a tie- both contain tannins and oxalic acid. If you are concerned about kidney stones or nutrient absorption, talk to your doctor before you include high amounts of green tea and black tea in your diet.
Conclusion
So, which tea is the best for you? It depends on your needs and what you’re looking for. If you want a quick energy boost, black tea is a great option. If you want slow-burning energy that will last all day long, green tea is the better option.
Ultimately, both of these teas are great options and can provide many perks like increased mental clarity and focus, more antioxidants than coffee, and a host of other benefits. So next time you reach for your morning cup of green or black tea, remember that you may be doing your health a favor as well!
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Written by Stephanie Moore
Stephanie is a professional writer who is a ‘SIBO survivor’ herself with broad experience writing in the health field. She is a regular writer for SIBO Survivor and calls Berlin, Germany home.
