In the match between green tea vs black tea it is hard to declare an actual winner.
This is because both teas offer great health benefits, many varieties, and many years of enjoyment. But which tea is better and healthier?
Studies done show that green tea had more natural antioxidants present in it than black tea. This is simply because green tea is less processed than black.
Now this does not mean that black tea is inferior to green tea. Black tea does have its share of antioxidants, and to be quite honest the number difference isn't night and day. Drinking a cup of black tea is just as good, health wise, as drinking a cup of green. Also remember that more studies have been done on green tea than black, so it is natural to believe that green is a better cup.
When comparing green tea vs black tea concerning caffeine, green tea has less. A cup of green has less than half the amount of caffeine compared to a cup of black...so green tea wins this one. Unless you want a jolt!
Green tea vs black tea in the morning.
After typing the above I realized this...
What makes a better morning cup of tea?
Well, black tea replaced coffee for me in the mornings, and even though black tea has half the amount of caffeine than coffee, it still did a good job getting the sleepiness out of my head.
I feel that black tea is a better morning tea than green, and is also a better "sweet snacking" tea than green.
Green tea is a more relaxing cup than black (especially the Sencha variety) and is great in the afternoons or evenings when caffeine intake is less invited. I love to sip green tea on rainy days, especially when I am off (or take off) from work! It is the perfect solo cup of tea.
Taste differences.
Green tea for some folks tastes grassy and is a turn off, while black tea being sweeter is more commonly accepted, at least in western culture. Black tea is the most consumed type of tea in the world, so if it is a numbers consumption match, black tea wins it hands down.
So when it boils down to green tea vs black tea, it is really a matter of choice and taste preference. Both teas are excellent and unique in their own ways. The good news is that there is no "tea rule" that says you can't enjoy only one type! Find the perfect setting for each and enjoy them both! One can even try experimenting by mixing the two types. And don't forget about oolong and white teas either.
