Green tea is a herbal tea; Myth or Fact?

Green tea is a herbal tea; Myth or Fact?

Green tea is famous for burning belly fat and boosting metabolism. It is made from Camellia Sinensis leaves like regular tea. It is loaded with antioxidants that have various health benefits. It is not extracted from a herb or a spice, and hence it is not considered a herbal tea. For instance, turmeric tea can be called herbal tea as it is a spice. Green tea can be combined with honey and other spices for added benefits.

What type of tea is green tea?

Green tea is often categorised as white wine, usually the quality of green tea is varied from the regular super markets you buy, and when you extract them yourselves from the tea estates. Green tea originated in China and then spread to Southeast Asia. There are numerous varieties of green tea, based on the place it is grown, the production process, horticulture methods and time of harvest. There are a few benefits of drinking green tea regularly such as:

  • Improves brain function
  • Helps in fat loss
  • Lowers the risk of cancer
  • Reduces bad breath
  • Glowing skin

Does herbal tea have caffeine?

Herbal teas are made from natural ingredients which usually don’t have caffeine content in them unless we add them to satisfy our caffeine craving. Herbal teas are readily available in most of the beverage corners and are available in ready-to-make in regular stores. 

We can prepare herbal tea ourselves in the comfort of our homes too. Herbal tea has been in use for centuries and not all herbal teas are true teas. True herbal tea includes green tea, black tea, oolong tea, ashwagandha, cinnamon, Shatavari, Ashoka, Saffron, Turmeric, pepper, cloves, rose, and a different combination of these herbs. Every one of these herbs has different usage and benefits for our bodies.

Is drinking too much herbal tea bad for you?

In simple the answer is yes. Anything when consumed too much can have a negative impact than the actual benefits it has to offer. There are potential side-effects if herbal tea is consumed too much. The recommended consumption per day is 1-2 cups mostly. And when the limit exceeds it can have the following effects.

  • Anxiety issues
  • Sleep problems
  • Digestive related issues
  • Muscle breakdown
  • Irregular blood pressure
  • Fatigue and more.

Herbal tea vs green tea

Herbal tea and green tea are both popular hot beverages, but they differ in their ingredients and nutritional properties. Herbal tea is typically made from herbs, fruits, flowers, and spices steeped in hot water. The ingredients used in herbal teas vary widely and can include chamomile, peppermint, ginger, hibiscus, and many others. Unlike green tea, herbal teas do not contain caffeine and are often used for their medicinal properties.

Green tea, on the other hand, is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The leaves are typically unfermented and are steamed or pan-fried, resulting in a more delicate flavor and lighter color compared to black tea. Green tea contains caffeine, but in lower amounts than black tea or coffee. It also contains antioxidants, specifically catechins, which have been linked to potential health benefits such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, improving brain function, and aiding in weight loss.

In summary, herbal tea is typically caffeine-free and made from a variety of herbs and other plant materials, while green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and contains caffeine and antioxidants. Both types of tea can have potential health benefits, but the specific benefits depend on the ingredients used in the herbal tea and the quality and preparation of the green tea.

Take Away

Green tea is healthy, it can be consumed in the morning on an empty stomach if you are looking for fat loss, and herbal are healthy too, but whatever the beverage is, they all should be consumed in moderation. Herbal tea can be allergic to a few people, so make sure you see the ingredient used in making it and confirm if you are not allergic to any of them. Not every green tea or herbal tea is caffeine free, there can be added ingredients to increase the taste.

FAQs

Is black tea an herbal tea?

No black tea like green tea is extracted from the leaves of Camellia Sinesis plant and not a herb or spice, so it can’t be considered as a herbal tea.

Is herbal tea really tea?

Few consider it as tea, while the rest don’t, it is usually based on the composition of the beverage you make, if tea leaves are included with herbs and spices then herbal tea can be considered tea.

Does green tea help with sickness?

Yes, as green tea is rich in antioxidants, it can treat the common cold and flu, and it also helps in removing bacteria and free radicals.

References

Green tea. By Wikipedia, Feb 28, 2023.

Does herbal tea have Caffeine? Here’s the truth. By Coffee Tea Corner, Feb 27, 2020.

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