Both black and green are made from the same Camellia sinensis plant. Though made from the same plant, the main factor that distinguishes green tea from black tea is how they are processed during preparation.
Difference in Preparation Method
Green tea is made with minimal or no oxidation during processing whereas, black tea is fully oxidized during preparation. Green tea is mild in favor because of no oxidation where has black tea has strong flavor.
Difference is Antioxidants
Since green tea are not oxidized, it has high concentration of antioxidants including EGCG which fights against harmful free radicals whereas EGCG is destroyed during oxidation process of black tea.
Caffeine Content
Caffeine is a stimulant that improves mental alertness. Also, it boosts energy for short period of time. In general, black tea has more caffeine than green tea. Black tea has (14-70) mg of caffeine per cup whereas green tea has (24-45) mg. Consuming less than 400 mg of caffeine is considered safe for adults.
Difference in Health Benefits
Green tea and black tea has different nutritional content (most notably antioxidants). Hence, they offer slightly different health benefits.
Green Tea |
Black Tea |
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Diabetes | |
Helps in regulating glucose level delaying the rise of blood sugar. |
filled with healthy oxidants that helps in reducing type 2 diabetes risks |
Cancer | |
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Lose weight | |
Bio active elements present in green tea burns fat cells and make them available for use as energy for the body |
consists low amount of sodium, calories and fat compared to other health drinks which helps in maintaining one's weight or even lose some |
Skin benefits | |
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contains vitamin B2, E, C and other minerals like zinc, potassium and magnesium which is beneficial for skin |
Boosts immune system | Reduce the chances of Heart Disease |
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contains substance called 'Tannins' that frees the body from influenza, cold, flu etc and helps fight viruses to keep the body in good health |
Bones and Teeth | |
contains chemical antioxidant “catechin” that destroys viruses that cause dental and throat infections |
presence of compounds, phytochemicals, in black Tea helps in strengthening the bones and assists in building connective tissue |
Hair benefits | Improves Eyesight |
creates antioxidant activities in eye tissue and helps to function properly. |
caffeine in black tea helps remove hormones, found on scalp, which is the primary reason for hair fall, |