Did you know that green tea and herbal teas were considered as medicine in ancient times in China & Europe?
Many of knows how green tea is different from herbal tea but don’t know what makes them different.
Also, at the same time some tea lovers are confused whether both these are same or not.
Hence, for all tea lovers we are going the compare green tea with herbal tea. In this comparison post we are going to see the difference of caffeine content, Brewing Method, Verities of both and many other things.
So, let’s explore together
Green Tea Vs Herbal Tea?
When it comes to the comparison of green tea with herbal tea, It’s the origin, Flavors, Benefits, caffeine content, Brewing Method, Processing Method and verities that makes unique one from the other one.
A short comparison between green tea and herbal tea can be seen below.
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Comparison Between Caffeine Content Of Both
1) Green Tea :-
- Green tea is often praised for less caffeine content. It has half amount of caffeine as coffee and black tea.
- The ample caffeine in green tea makes it more beneficial and a drink that refreshes you. A cup of green tea has about 35mg of caffeine in it.
2) Herbal Tea :-
- Herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free.
- Green tea can be decaffeinated and some herbal teas like Yerba Mate have caffeine in them.
Differentiating With Flavors
Classic green teas have a vegetal flavor. Depending upon the type green tea can be fruity, earthy, nutty, or even smoky taste. Some of the Japanese types that are steamed have seaweed flavor.
On the other hand, herbal teas are flavorful, sweet of fruity. It depends upon which herbs and spices you are using. It can be ginger, lemon, mint or cinnamon, etc.
Green Tea Vs Herbal Tea – Famous Variations
The most common types of green tea vs herbal teas are as follows.
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Comparisons Between Health Benefits
Green tea has been as medicinal purposes in China while Herbal tea was used in ancient Europe to treat many illnesses. Let’s see the health benefits of both.
Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea has been known as an elixir that treats many health issues.
- The caffeine in green tea makes you fresh, more focused, and energized throughout the day.
- Green tea acts as a diuretic which means eliminating water retention and toxins from the body.
- It prevents the growth of cancer cells.
- Green tea increases the blood flow in veins and arteries by opening the clogged ones. This reduces the risk of strokes.
- Hence, green tea also helps in reducing weight by burning calories faster.
Benefits of Herbal Tea
- Herbal teas cure common flu, infections.
- They help in pain management and reduce inflammation in the body.
- Herbs like mint are best for digestion, bowel movements, and gas issues.
- Some roots like Valerian acts as a sedative and therefore are very soothing for the muscles.
How To Prepare Herbal Tea Vs Green Tea?
The different ways can be used to make both teas.
1) Green Tea Warm Brew
- Green tea can be prepared by brewing the green tea leaves or tea bags for 3 to 5 minutes in warm water.
- Most of the brands come with instructions.
- You can follow them to get the desired taste.
- In addition, make sure never to use boiling water to steep the green tea.
2) Iced Green Tea
- Green tea makes a great iced tea recipe.
- You have to keep green tea leaves in cold water for 20 minutes or overnight for best results.
- Lastly, add sweeteners and grind them for better results. Enjoy on a summer day.
3) Herbal Tea Infusion
- This one is almost the same as brewing green tea.
- In this method, you put your herbs into the boiling water and steep for a few minutes.
- Thus, herbal tea infusion can be made easily using a pot.
4) Decoction From Herbal Tea
- This one is time taking and thicker in density.
- To use the roots and plants that are harder and denser has to follow this method.
- Put the components in water and leave for few hours.
- It is then steeped until the water remains in half quantity.
- The result is thick creamy decoction with more nutrients but a bitter taste.
Are Both Teas Safe?
Green tea is a great tea but due to caffeine, the excess intake of this can cause serious side effects. This is the reason pregnant and kids should consume in little amounts.
A large amount of green tea can cause indigestion, anemia, palpitations, and anxiety.
Herbal teas have no caffeine. Therefore, it is safe to consume for all healthy individuals. These include mint, chamomile, rooibos, etc.
Hence herbal tea is a generally safe option while you need to be cautious around consuming large amounts of green tea.
Which One Is Better?
There is no one answer to this. As herbal tea and green tea both have their importance for well-being.
Due to more antioxidants and caffeine, green tea benefits may exceed in treating some of the functions, weight loss and diseases.
Herbal tea is no less and proves to be useful in its field.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both teas are different from each other but provide similar benefits. If you are looking for a caffeine-free option then herbal tea is the best alternative for green tea.
On the other hand, green tea can give you the morning buzz and energy that you want to stay refreshed the whole day.
