Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water,almost all teas come from Camellia Sinensis plant but the different ways of harvesting and processing the plants produces different types of tea
After harvesting,black tea leaves go through a process of wilting, bruising, rolling and oxidation.
Oxidation occurs when the leaves remains exposed to the air for a long time, enzymes breakdown the chemicals in the leaves, producing their brown colouring and familiar smell,the process for making green tea is similar but it does not involve oxidation.Oxidation may give black tea nutritional benefits that are not present in green tea.For example,the nutrients in black tea may reduce the risk of several cancers, protect the heart against antherosclerosis and helps maintain a healthy blood pressure ..
What is the difference between green tea and black tea?
Black/Green teas are both from camellia sinensis.Black tea is oxidized while green tea is not, green tea is processed to prevent oxidation and thus lighter in colour than black tea.
Oxidation is when the leaves are left out in the fresh air,as the leaves reacts to the fresh air around them,they turn brown and develop a slightly bitter flavour, these brown leaves are used to make your everyday black tea otherwise known as English Breakfast tea.
In the second process,the leaves are heated gently to prevent oxidation and to ensure the leaves do not turn brown.These leaves are used to make green tea which has a milder flavour and aroma.Tannins(catechins) gives green tea it’s trigent flavour.Green tea contains vitamins B1,B2,niacin and pantothenic acid, vitamins C and E theanins, fluorine, saponins
Question: So is green tea better for prostate gland than black tea?
Studies show that green tea may help prevent prostate cancer from forming and may slow the growth of aggressive Cancer because it contains potent antioxidants.Green tea is considered one of the most beneficial drinks for sufferers of enlarged prostate.
Question:Does green tea contain caffeine?
Yes, green tea contains caffeine, although the amount is relatively small compared to conventional tea or coffee and the antioxidants benefits working as an anti-inflammatory agent outweighs any negative effects.
Black tea leaves are fermented while green tea leaves are steamed leaving a higher concentration of antioxidants called polyphenols.These antioxidants are the reason why green tea is promoted for its health benefits
Health Benefits of Black Tea
Black tea makes strong bones,it is beneficial for good oral health, black tea improves digestive health, black tea protects against bacteria, black tea helps in relieving stress, black tea helps improve heart functions, black tea reduces the risk of diabetes and may help in preventing Cancer
Written by
Nguhemen Fiona Kpagh