The difference between green tea and black tea, which one is healthier?

Tea can be said to be the drink of a million people. Besides being able to be drunk by all people, tea is also right to drink at any time. Either in the morning, afternoon, evening, or evening. Interestingly, tea has a variety of types that enrich its choices. Among them are green tea and black tea. Indeed, what is the difference between green tea and black tea? Are there any benefits in particular for health?

What is the difference between green tea and black tea?

Both of these teas come from plant leaves Camellia sinensis . The main difference between green tea and black tea is the manufacturing process. Black tea is processed in such a way through fermentation, while green tea only goes through one filtering process. Due to the difference in processing, the content of the two teas is different.

Green tea

Green tea is known to be a strong source of polyphenolic antioxidants, particularly epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). That is why green tea is believed to have a myriad of good properties to support body health.

Its properties range from inhibiting the development of cancer cells, reducing beta-amyloid plaque buildup in the brain in people with Alzheimer's, providing a comfortable and relaxing effect on the body, to acting as an anti-microbial.

If previously black tea was said to go through a fermentation process in its manufacture, it is different from green tea. That is why green tea has a much lighter color than black tea.

Black tea

Source: Organic Facts

Not inferior to green tea, black tea also has polyphenol antioxidants called theaflavins. These compounds are formed naturally during the fermentation process and contribute as much as three to six percent of the total polyphenol content in black tea.

The benefits provided were extraordinary. These polyphenols are able to support the production of natural antioxidants in the body; protects fat cells from free radical damage; lower cholesterol and high blood sugar levels; and protect the function of the heart and blood vessels.

The process of making black tea is unique, the tea leaves must be ground first while exposed to air to optimize the fermentation process. It is at this stage that the active components of theaflavins are produced. This series of fermentation processes causes the tea leaves to turn dark brown, accompanied by changes in taste.

Black tea and green tea have the same benefits

Behind the differences between green tea and black tea, they both have the same benefits, including:

1. Improve brain function

Tea contains a well-known stimulant, caffeine, which of course is also found in black tea and green tea. Even so, the caffeine content in green tea is relatively less than black tea. Both types of tea also contain the amino acid L-theanine.

The interaction between caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine in tea contributes to its beneficial benefits, as it can help increase levels of the hormones dopamine and serotonin related to better mood swings. On the other hand, caffeine will stimulate the nervous system and L-theanine which releases inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain.

That is why, the interaction of these two components will lead to increased brain function, alertness, reactions, as well as long-term memory.

2. Protect the heart

There is no doubt that black tea and green tea are rich in polyphenol antioxidants. More specifically, they both contain flavonoids, which are one type of antioxidant in the polyphenol group, although in different types.

However, the different types of flavonoids in green tea and black tea are considered good for reducing the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. In fact, green tea and black tea are also said to be able to lower blood pressure and levels of "bad" cholesterol or LDL.

3. Support the function of bones and teeth

Black tea and green tea also support healthy bones and teeth thanks to their fluoride content. It's just that black tea contains slightly more fluoride than green tea. Fluoride later plays a role in preventing cavities in the teeth by strengthening their structure.

So, which one is healthier?

Although the two variants of this tea contain different types of polyphenol antioxidants, the benefits are arguably both good for the body. The only slight difference lies in the amount of antioxidants, caffeine content, and the amino acid L-theanine.

You can adjust it yourself to your nutritional needs or your health condition. If you have GERD or stomach acid reflux, for example, green tea may be a better choice because it has less caffeine.

The rest, both green tea and black tea have similar properties for the health of the body. In fact, green tea and black tea can be the right choice if you are looking for drinks that contain caffeine that is not as strong as coffee. So, it doesn't hurt to insert a cup of green tea or black tea as your relaxing companion.