Difference between Green Tea, Black Tea and Herb Tea
Sure, there are lots of coffee drinkers around but there are also millions of us who drink tea. The desired taste and flavor vary from person to person and there are numerous types of tea available, each offering a different taste and aroma. Tea contains various polyphenols, essential oils, and caffeine which are good for you in low dosages. You can find flavonoids, compounds with antioxidant properties also. A lot of research was done and an ongoing research is trying to explore the potential benefits of drinking tea. In this article I would like to give an in detail comparison between green tea, black tea and herb tea.
How They Grow
Even though all teas come from the tea plant dubbed camellia sinensis, the method of preparation is not the same for teas of all types. Types can be broken into four major types; black, green, oolong and white. Green tea is the one that comes from a large shrub with evergreen leaves. The shrub is native to eastern Asia. It has leathery, dark green leaves and fragrant, white flowers. It is not oxidized. On the other hand black tea is oxidized and dried. The process of oxidization is known as fermentation. Black tea yields a hearty, amber-colored brew. The herbal tea is the one that is made with fresh or dried flowers, leaves, roots, etc.
Physical Effects
Green tea is thought to reduce the risk of cancer and other fatal diseases and is also ingested to lower blood pressure. Green tea also contains vitamin B which is soluble to water and can help prevent skin cancer. A cup of green has less than half the amount of caffeine compared to a cup of black. But it is not that the black tea is less popular, rather it is considered to be better than the green variety as a morning tea. In western countries black tea is preferred because of its sweet taste, while the green tea tastes a bit grassy. Herbal teas are often consumed for their stimulant and relaxant properties. Some combinations can also prevent liver damage and help with other chronic diseases.
When to Avoid It
The caffeine in the green tea may cause a few problems in our health. Excessive drinking of both green and black tea can lead to caffeine induced insomnia and can raise your blood pressure which in turn causes an increased heart rate. It is advisable to avoid drinking tea if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Sometimes green tea may worsen asthma. If you a patient of any cardiovascular disease you should get the approval of your doctor before drinking black tea. In some countries herbal teas are not allowed without any substantiated claim of its medicinal effects, but most herbal teas are safe to drink.
Similarities and Differences
- Black tea can be a good choice as a morning tea.
- Green tea possesses more physical significance than the black tea.
- Herbal is not so popular like the other two varieties.
- “Excess of anything is not good”- remember this proverb and try to avoid excessive drinking of any kind of tea.
- People who have sensitive stomach should be aware of the side effects of drinking tea.
