Distinguishing green tea and black tea
Green tea and black tea are two popular types in the world that are loved by many people. Each cup of tea is considered a magical drink to help us dispel fatigue and lack of alertness, instead being an abundant source of energy for a productive day of study and work. But between green tea and black tea, which is healthier? Please read along to follow the article below to understand more about these two types of tea.
The difference between green tea and black tea
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The oxidation concentration
Oxidation is a factor that directly affects the color and flavor of each tea. If black tea has the highest level of oxidation, green tea does not apply oxidation.
Green tea has a processing process that includes only 4 steps: harvesting, withering, brewing, and star tea, without undergoing oxidation. Therefore, right after harvesting, tea makers quickly proceed with the process of withering the tea leaves, then making the tea or steaming to kill the yeast. The finished green tea thus retains its natural green color.
Black tea is made from tea leaves that have undergone an oxidation fermentation process. At that time, the enzymes present in the tea leaves will make the tea darker. This is because the oxidation process has taken place in the conversion of polyphenols in tea into oxidase compounds, most especially theaflavins, and thearubigins. In particular, theaflavins are the cause of the stronger tea after brewing.
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The amount of caffeine
Black tea is richer in caffeine than green tea. It is a natural stimulant that works by stimulating the brain and nervous system, helping to increase alertness and combat fatigue. Accordingly, if each cup of black tea contains between 42-72 milligrams, each cup of green tea contains only 9-50 milligrams of caffeine. The actual caffeine content of each type of tea also depends on the tea variety, growing conditions, processing, and preparation methods.
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The color and taste
Black tea has a reddish brown color, and strong flavor, slightly acrid because of the fermentation process. The aroma of the tea is quite passionate, the aftertaste lingers in the mouth for a long time after enjoying it. Thanks to this feature, black tea is often used as a tea base to make milk tea and other beverages, because the color and flavor of black tea are less overwhelmed by other ingredients.
Green tea after brewing has a color and taste quite similar to fresh tea leaves. Tea water is usually light green or light yellow depending on the type of tea and the way it is prepared. When enjoying tea, you will initially feel a bitter taste and a slightly acrid taste, then the sweet aftertaste lingers in the throat.
Should you drink green tea or black tea?
Each type of tea will have certain benefits for your health. In particular, green tea is known for its very high EGCG content. This is an antioxidant, capable of preventing cardiovascular diseases. At the same time, green tea can also help the body detox, boost metabolism and immunity. In addition, green tea is less acidic than black tea.
With black tea, this is tea with an amino acid called L - theanine, which helps you to increase concentration, and reduce stress hormones. Similar to green tea, black tea also benefits heart health thanks to theaflavins, which protect the heart and blood vessels and control sugar and cholesterol levels. If you want to increase caffeine, then black tea is the best choice.
Studies show that the health benefits of tea are most apparent when you drink tea daily for many years. Depending on different health goals or preferences, you can choose the right tea. Do not hesitate to enjoy and find your favorite flavor from green tea, black tea, or other herbal teas to lead a healthier lifestyle.
Hopefully, the above article has helped readers have a more specific perspective on the difference between green tea and black tea. Each type of tea when used in the right dose every day brings many health benefits. Besides drinking tea, build a healthy diet and activities to make your body more beautiful every day.
