Green or Black Tea?
What is the difference between green and black tea? To begin with, nothing at all, both come from the same tea bush. However it is how the tea leaf is then processed that creates the difference.
After plucking and undergoing partial withering, green tea is heated almost immediately at about 200 degrees Celsius to prevent fermentation. The tea is then rolled to give it shape before being heated again. In contrast, black tea is processed in a different order: it is withered then rolled before any heating takes place. The tea is then left to ferment for some time when it takes on the brown/black colour and develops its flavour before being heated again to stop the process.
It is therefore the fermentation reaction that causes the key differences between the two types of tea. Both types of tea contain high levels of antioxidant polyphenols (catechins, flavonols, theaflavins and thearubigins). One type of catechin, called EGCG, is found in the highest concentration in green tea and it’s the most active and well researched of all green tea catechins. EDGC has been found to be over 100 times more effective in neutralizing free radicals than vitamin C, and 25 times more powerful than vitamin E.
Due to the their sensitivity to oxidation, catechins are converted during the process of making black tea, leaving researchers thinking that black tea did not reap as many health benefits as its lighter toned counterpart. However, recent research has revealed that black tea, like green tea, is also healthy for you. This time it is the theaflavins and thearubigens generated during the process of making black tea which give the tea a health boost, not only just with providing it with its dark colour and distinct taste.
Studies have shown that flavonoids, found in black tea, can contribute to the reduction of the risk of stokes and heart disease as the flavonoids help to reduce LDL (the bad cholesterol), that is associated with these two diseases. One thing to remember when it comes to the supposed benefits of different kinds of tea is to know that tea research itself is still in the early stages. However, there are plenty of studies that are based on observational research pointing towards the relationship between tea consumption and health.
Whichever tea you choose, whether green of black, it doesn’t really matter, does it? Both black tea and green tea not only have their own distinctive colour, flavour, and aroma but also have their own specific health benefits. Whatever your preference is, perhaps it’s also worth considering what needs assisting next time you turn to your favourite tea.