There is a lot of misinformation among the people with regard to this. There are many people who believe that black tea is bad and green tea is ultimate. Many believe that the sources of both are different.
The Source of both kinds of tea is the same i.e. the tea plant known as Camellia sinensis. The leaves of the plant are subjected to different physical and environmental influences and the result is, tea leaves of different color, taste, flavor and slightly different chemical composition and health effects to a certain extent.
Green tea: After harvesting the leaves it is immediately subjected to heating to a certain temperature to prevent atmospheric oxidation of the leaves and are packed and sold. This is totally unoxidized and hence retains all the polyphenols and flavonoids intact. The major ingredient being Catechin and Epigallo Catechin -3-gallate (EGCG) which is a very powerful antioxidant responsible for the health benefits of green tea.
Black tea : After harvesting the leaves, they are dried in the sun and exposed to the environment for complete oxidation. They subjected to heat and physical measures like Cutting Tearing and Curling ( CTC) and result is completely oxidised black tea. This process of oxidation results in the formation of different set of Chemicals known as theaflavin and thea- bergen. They are equally good antioxidants and they are equally good with regard to the health benefits ( as much as the green tea )i e reduction in the incidence of heart attacks stroke and cancers.
The content of caffeine is slightly higher in black tea whereas the amino acid known as L-theanine is marginally higher in green tea. Caffeine boosts alertness mood and vigilance etc. Whereas L-theanine brings about a relaxed but alert state and promotes release of mood enhancing hormones like dopamine and serotonin.
The combination of both i e Caffeine and
L -theanine may be synergistic ( better effects )
( coffee lacks l-theanine ).
On a critical comparison, the balance may tilt slightly in favour of green tea i e with regard to antioxidant properties and weight reduction potential.
However, on a gross comparison, there is nothing much to choose between the two. It is better left to the individual discretion of their taste and preference.
A world caution before I conclude is “to avoid Sugar “( and milk ) which may negate the beneficial effects of the antioxidants.
Written by
Dr. A. A. Pangi. M. D.,
Chief Physician,
Annapurna Multi Speciality Hospital
Athani
