Although both black and green teas originate from the same tea plant, the methods of processing are different. Breaking the leaves and exposing them to oxygen produces black tea. And the resulting natural fermentation process destroys the most important biological ingredients of the tea.
But during production of green tea the leaves are stabilised through exposure to both humid and dry heat. This eliminates fermentation-producing enzymes and safeguards nutrients. That’s why green tea is better for you. Without these important nutrients, caffeine in black tea appears in a more potent form. Quickly released, it triggers a fight or flight response in the body.
The adrenal glands naturally respond by secreting the antidote, adrenaline. This defence response has a stimulating and enlivening effect. But as the effects of the caffeine and adrenaline diminish, the body starts feeling tired. Green tea works in a different way.
The caffeine is taken to the brain in only small and well-dosed amounts, which harmonises energies in the body making its own energy use more efficient. So when you drink green tea it can help improve vitality and stamina without the rollercoaster effect of caffeine in black tea.
Many people are surprised that the vitamin C content of green tea is four times higher than in lemon juice – and it has more B vitamins than any other known plant, making it useful for skin conditions like acne when applied to the face.
Since green tea is highly alkaline too, it naturally helps combat hyperacidity. Drinkers also find it helps thin the blood. Researchers from Osaka University in Japan have proved it can kill the microbes responsible for cholera and tooth decay, and destroys salmonella germs before they even enter the stomach.
It also helps with high blood pressure, heart efficiency and stimulates digestion. It’s not to everyone’s taste, but if you can stomach it try to drink one per day – and if you can’t, then try adding a little drop of stevia to sweeten it if it’s just too green for you.