While both black tea and green tea come from the same plant Camellia Sinensis, they have a lot of differences. And that has led to the creation of separate fan bases for the two. You’ll hardly find someone who loves both the teas.
Why is that? What makes these two children of the same mother plant, so unique and different?
5 Ways Black Tea and Green Tea are Different
1. The processing of both Black tea and Green tea happens differently.
Black tea is made by rolling the leaves and then exposing them to air to cause oxidation. As a result of this air exposure, the leaves begin to turn dark brown, thus intensifying and heightening their flavors.
The catechins found in black tea leaves undergo a chemical reaction during this oxidation, resulting in two new polyphenols known as “Thearubigins” and “theaflavins.”
The processing of Green tea leaves, on the other hand, happens in a way that prevents oxidation. Thus, preserving their natural green color and flavor. Green tea leaves get roasted immediately after harvesting to preserve their delicate flavor profile and texture.
2. Green tea has more antioxidants.
Both green and black teas contain antioxidants, but the types and amounts of antioxidants differ in both teas.
Green tea has more antioxidants than black tea.
Black tea has more theaflavins, whereas green tea has more Epigallocatechin Gallate antioxidants.
- Theaflavins help prevents diseases like hypercholesterolemia (high blood cholesterol) and hyperglycemia (high blood glucose level).
- EGCG helps to prevent the proliferation of cancer cells.
Now, depending on your health priorities, you can choose which one is better.
3. Black tea has higher caffeine levels.
Black and green teas also have varied concentrations of caffeine.
While some of us may not need caffeine, others get addicted to it. One of the reasons for the latter is that caffeine is popular as a beverage giving your brain an instant boost that helps you get a jump start to your day.
It enhances the production of dopamine and serotonin that makes you more alert and vigilant.
Research shows that green tea has lower amounts of caffeine than black tea.
An average cup of Green tea has about 25-30 mg caffeine, and Black tea – has 25-110mg caffeine, depending on how it’s brewed.
Green tea is best for you if you want a low caffeine option or are caffeine-sensitive. But if your days are busy, you can’t get your sleep right, or just need to get some stuff done urgently, black tea won’t disappoint.
4. Black tea and Green tea differ in taste and appearance.
Black tea, given the name, is darker and richer in taste.
This is because it undergoes a long oxidation process meaning the tea leaves get exposed to oxygen for a longer time. This gives black tea its distinctive bitter taste.
In short, Black teas have a robust and spicy flavor.
On the other hand, green tea leaves are not oxidized at all because of which the natural green color of the leaves remains intact. Hence, it is not as bitter as black tea.
Plus, Green tea offers a more nutty and vegetal flavor.
When it comes to their looks, an infusion of Green tea has a rich green and golden color. Black tea, on the other hand, has a reddish-copper color.
5. Green tea may be more effective in weight loss.
Because green tea has higher levels of polyphenols like EGCG, it can be more potent in aiding weight loss.
EGCG is famous for its many health benefits. For instance, it improves the metabolic rate and prevents obesity.
By improving the thermogenic abilities of the body, the EGCG hormone helps burn fat, thus leading to weight loss.
A study makes green tea’s fat-burning capabilities evident. According to this study, candidates who consumed green tea lost 7.5 pounds more than candidates who did not.
Black tea also has some fat-burning compounds like caffeine, but it may also increase stress levels which green tea doesn’t. Considering how stressful our lives are already, it’s always better to choose the stress-free option whenever possible.
Also, black tea is often consumed with milk or sugar to balance its bitter taste. These ingredients also reduce many of its qualities and are not great for weight management.
Let’s Recap The Differences of Black Tea and Green Tea
| Green tea | Black tea |
| Green tea leaves are not oxidized | Black tea leaves are oxidized |
| Has little-to-no caffeine | Is high in caffeine |
| Less bitter | More bitter |
| Great for weight loss | Not as great for weight loss |
| More EGCG antioxidants | More Theanine antioxidants |
| Pale and bright in color | Darker and richer in color |
Which One Should You Drink?
Both teas have many beneficial properties that can help you lead a healthy life. Depending on your life situations and priorities, you can choose either one. Both are, after all, born from the same plant.
So, if you are someone who is looking to lose weight and get healthy, green tea can be a good choice for you.
If you want an early morning boost, (probably a proud workaholic) you can opt for black tea.
Which one would you choose? Comment below!
I write to fulfill your appetite for thought, to get only in return your smile.
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