HERBAL TEA VS GREEN TEA BENEFITS

First discovered in China in 2737 BC, Tea has now taken over the entire world, and with the global expansion of tea, people started experimenting with the delicious beverage. While some people have become accustomed to using unique blends of tea, some are still not clear about their disparities. Green tea vs Herbal tea is the most common confusion among people interested in drinking tea these days. 

What is Herbal Tea?

Mother nature offers a wealth of flora and fauna other than the Camellia Sinensis plant. Herbal tea is an infusion of various herbs, flowers, fruits, roots, and spices, which are edible non-tea plants. Herbal teas have gained huge popularity over the past few years primarily because of the Health benefits along with vibrant flavors. There is a variety of Herbal teas each having a unique flavor, aroma, and health benefits. Herbal teas have healing properties and have been used for medicinal healing purposes before the advent of modern medicine.

Is Green Tea the Same as Herbal Tea?

The answer is no. Green tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant responsible for black and oolong teas. Its leaves are processed in a way that halts oxidation, helping the tea maintain its green color and preserving its rich antioxidant profile, specifically catechins. Herbal tea, in contrast, is not a true tea because it doesn’t originate from the Camellia sinensis plant. Instead, it is an infusion of various plants, including leaves, roots, flowers, spices, and herbs.

So, Is green tea herbal tea? - you have got the answer.

Herbal Tea

• Source: Herbal teas are made from herbs, flowers, fruits, and other plants, not from the Camellia sinensis plant (the plant used for green, black, white, and oolong teas). Examples include chamomile, peppermint, ginger, and rooibos.
• Caffeine: Herbal teas are generally caffeine-free, though there are exceptions (e.g., yerba mate).
• Common Benefits:
• Relaxation: Many herbal teas like chamomile or lavender are known for their calming properties, which can help with stress and sleep.
• Digestive Health: Peppermint and ginger are great for easing digestion and relieving nausea.
• Anti-inflammatory: Herbal teas like rooibos and ginger have strong anti-inflammatory properties.
• Hydration & Detox: Herbs like lemongrass can help with detoxification and hydration

Green Tea

• Source: Green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The leaves are minimally processed, so they retain a lot of their natural antioxidants.
• Caffeine: Green tea contains caffeine but in much lower amounts compared to coffee. A typical cup of green tea has around 25-35 mg of caffeine.
• Common Benefits:

o    Antioxidants: Green tea is rich in catechins, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which helps protect cells from oxidative stress and can improve heart health.

o    Boosts Metabolism: Green tea can help with weight management by increasing metabolism and fat burning.

o    Heart Health: Studies suggest that drinking green tea may help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.

o    Brain Function: Green tea's caffeine content, combined with the amino acid L-theanine, can improve focus and cognitive function while keeping you calm.

o    Cancer Prevention: Some research indicates that the antioxidants in green tea may help in reducing the risk of certain types of cancer, although more studies are needed.

Green Tea vs Herbal Tea: Which One to Choose?

Green tea and herbal tea are completely different tea types but these two teas have a few things in common as well. And if you know both sides, it will help you choose the best one for you. The choice between green tea and herbal tea depends on why you want to have one. If you want to keep awake and stay focused without the jitters then green tea could be the best choice for you. However, if you just want a nice cup of tea for relaxation and or want to settle down after a long day's work then you must go for herbal tea.

But, the best part of this green tea vs herbal tea debate is that you can blend them. Blending green tea with a herbal tea adds both flavor and health benefits to the beverage.