Black or Green tea: Which One is Healthier?

Tea

is among the most popular beverages in the world, loaded with health benefits as well. Most people drink tea in the morning to feel fresh, help with their bowel movements, and get energised. Apart from the normal milk tea, experts say black and green teas are also beneficial for your health, as they are equally packed with antioxidants and give a caffeine boost. However, there’s always a question as to which one is healthier. According to experts, the main differences between the two come down to how they are processed and their slightly different caffeine and antioxidant levels, which makes you prefer one over the other.

How are the two similar?

Both black and green tea are packed with flavonoids – certain types of antioxidants which are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and protect against deadly diseases like cancer, heart disease, and stroke, neurological issues, and various kinds of viruses. However, black tea may have more flavonoids than green tea, and so, drinking two or more cups of black tea daily is linked to a lower risk of death from heart disease and stroke. Studies also say green tea is associated with a low risk of high blood pressure as compared to black tea and helps in cognitive function and healthy ageing, which black tea lacks. Both are packed with caffeine and L-theanine, an amino acid that helps boost alertness and better brain health. Black tea also helps protect your fat cells from damage. However, green tea has epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which helps protect against cancer, aging, neurological diseases, liver damage, and other serious conditions.

Which of the two has more caffeine?

Black tea typically contains more caffeine than green tea. A cup of black tea contains about 50 milligrams of caffeine, while the same amount of green tea has about 30 mg. However, experts say the caffeine content may depend on the brand of tea and how it is prepared. Both teas have less caffeine than coffee.

Which is healthier?

While both are a little similar when it comes to antioxidants and caffeine content, their health benefits are extremely different. Both green and black tea are packed with flavonoids that boost heart and brain health. And so, there is really no healthier option among the two, and you can drink whichever you prefer based on their benefits or taste.

Are there any side effects?

Green tea and black tea are generally safe beverages, but you need to drink them in a moderate amount, which is not more than 3 to 4 cups a day. If you drink them in large amounts, you may have a few side effects, which include:

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Jitters and a fast heart rate
• Headaches
• Digestive issues like nausea or stomach irritation
• Medicine interactions with blood pressure drugs and anticoagulants
• Stained teeth