Everything you need to know about the two most widely consumed varieties in the world: properties, differences, and side effects of green tea and black tea.
As you probably already know, there are many different types of tea, called by different color names, but what you may not know is that they are all derived from the same plant: the Camellia Sinensis.
The major difference between one type and another can be found not only in the soil and climate of the place where the plant is grown but also in the processing of the leaves.
The question is, therefore, the following: is green or black tea better?
Let’s learn more about these two teas and understand what the differences are, the beneficial properties they contain, and any contraindications to watch out for.
Difference between green and black tea
The world of tea is very fascinating and has its roots in the ancient traditions of many cultures, particularly the Oriental one.
Green Tea
The green tea infusion is a beverage consumed since the dawn of time in China and Japan, the native homelands of this variety.
It is harvested, withered, and then subjected to a heat or steam treatment to block its oxidative and fermentation process.
This allows the leaves to retain their bright green color and very fresh grass and hay flavor. The name of the Chinese variety Longjing, one of the most prized, means “source of the dragon,” precisely because of its very intense coloring.
Black Tea
Black tea, on the other hand, is native to India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Africa, but its structured cultivation was due to British colonization, especially in Asia.
In contrast to green tea, this variety of tea is fermented and dried to the desired degree and, only after this period, heat-treated or roasted to block the oxidation process.
The result is a dark and strong tea, somewhere between red and brown, with darker hints than green tea and a strong tannic component (which binds the mouth, like artichoke).
This is precisely why it is essential to brew for the right length of time, as the drink is otherwise in danger of becoming bitter from the extra tannins.
Properties and benefits of green and black tea.
Green Tea
The benefits of this drink are indeed many. In fact, green tea contains a whole series of substances that give it such properties:
- Draining and antibacterial power
- Neuro-protective effect
- Inhibits the formation of blood clots
- Strengthens immune defenses and fights cellular aging
- Accelerates fat and sugar metabolism (reduces cholesterol)
- Its consumption is apparently good for preventing the formation of cancer cells
Fresh, herbaceous and even recommended by science: what could be better?
Black Tea
Let’s now see how black tea fares. Here are its qualities:
- Prevents cell aging
- Astringent power (great remedy for minor intestinal disorders)
- Helps reduce the risk of brain stroke (Swedish study)
- Supports the cardiovascular system
- Reduces bone demineralization and helps prevent osteoporosis and tooth decay
- Enriches nails and hair with minerals
- Apparently, its consumption helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease
In short, not bad here either, so as you can see we are dealing with two totally natural products that are particularly suitable for human consumption.
Unfortunately, despite their peculiar positive features, they are not without “flaws.”
Black and green tea: contraindications and recommended doses.
Like a good cup of coffee, teas also contain caffeine, albeit in smaller doses. A false myth holds that black tea contains an absolute higher caffeine content than green tea. However, the reality of the facts is different: each tea, whether it is even of the same variety, has its own determined caffeine content.
It is not possible to determine the amount of caffeine it contains using the family to which it belongs as the sole discriminator. It depends on multiple factors, including production methods, aging and proper fermentation of the raw material.
A 150 ml cup of tea contains roughly 40-50 mg of caffeine, about half as much as a cup of mocha coffee and quite a bit less than a capsule coffee. To be precise however it would be necessary to refer to the specific product.
The presence of caffeine makes tea an energizing drink, but at the same time it carries contraindications.
Consumption of this alkaloid should remain within the limits of 400-500 mg per day for a healthy individual, so as to avoid unwanted effects such as:
- Nausea
- Tachycardia
- Fomentation of pre-existing feelings of anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
In this regard, as with coffee, the advice to moderate consumption of the beverage remains valid, however with a much higher threshold (you could drink up to 10 cups a day if you are not taking caffeine in other forms).
In addition, caffeine slows down the absorption of iron by up to 40 percent, which is why its intake is recommended away from meals and totally discouraged in anemic individuals and children.
Also, especially with regard to green tea, it is suggested that its consumption be avoided for those suffering from renal insufficiency, given its draining power.
Remember, too, that caffeine is absorbed into the bloodstream and penetrates the placenta, so it is best to avoid its intake during pregnancy (always consult your doctor).
All in all, drinking green and black tea is good for you, but watch out for contraindications.