Tea (Camellia sinensis) is one of the most popular drinks in the world. People have been drinking it in China since the 3rd century AD. (nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu). The same tea plant makes green, black, and oolong teas, but they are all processed in different ways after they are picked. These steps, especially how long the leaves are left to oxidize, make the flavors, colors, and effects very different. (healthline.com) and (serious eats.com). Herbal "teas," or tisanes, are really infusions of other plants, like herbs, flowers, and spices. They don't have much or any caffeine in them. (nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu) (verywellhealth.com). Below, we talk about each type, including how they are made, how much caffeine they have, how they taste, and what health benefits they are known to have.

Tea in Green

To keep the leaves' fresh, green flavor, green tea is only lightly processed. The leaves are quickly heated (by steaming in Japan or pan-firing in China) after they are picked to "kill" the enzymes that cause oxidation. This stops the browning, so the green tea stays light in color. The tea tastes crisp and vegetal, and people often say it tastes grassy, sweet, or a little like the ocean. It also has a mild astringency. Japanese sencha (steamed, bright, and grassy) and Chinese dragon well (pan-fired, nutty) are two popular green teas. To keep green tea from getting bitter, it is usually steeped in cooler water (160–175°F).

The average amount of caffeine in an 8-ounce cup of green tea is between 20 and 45 mg, with 25 to 30 mg being the most common amount. This is usually less than black tea and a little less than oolong tea. Green tea is very high in catechin polyphenols, which are strong antioxidants. EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) is the most well-known catechin. Studies show that these catechins may help keep cells safe from damage and add to the health benefits of green tea. (tea.healthline.com). Green tea has the most EGCG, while black tea has more theaflavins, which are another type of polyphenol. Research indicates that habitual green tea consumption may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and enhance cognitive function, metabolism, and weight regulation. For instance, drinking green tea has been linked to lower cholesterol levels and a small increase in fat burning during exercise. (healthline.comnutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu).

Green tea came from China and was popular in Japan, where the tea ceremony and matcha powdered green tea were created. People today choose green tea because it tastes light and refreshing and is known to be a healthy drink that is high in antioxidants.

Tea in Black

The leaves of black tea are fully oxidized, which makes them dark brown or black and gives them a strong, rich flavor. After drying, the leaves are rolled or crushed to let enzymes out, and then they are left out in the open air for an hour or more. This oxidation makes the leaves dark and brings out strong flavor compounds. When you brew black tea, it makes a deep reddish-amber drink. People often say that it tastes malty or fruity, and it has a strong, astringent flavor. Some black teas, like Lapsang Souchong, have a unique smoky flavor because the leaves are dried over smoke. Black tea usually has a stronger flavor than green tea, which is why it is often used in breakfast blends like English Breakfast or Assam.

Black tea usually has the most caffeine of the plain teas, with about 40–70 mg per 8-oz cup (USDA average ~47 mg). This is because of how it is made and how it is usually brewed. (thewhistlingkettle.com). Green and oolong, on the other hand, are lower down. Black tea has caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine, which work together to make you alert and calm.

Black tea has antioxidant polyphenols, just like green tea. But it mostly has theaflavins and thearubigins, which are made when the tea is oxidized. These chemicals can help get rid of free radicals. Research indicates that black tea may benefit cardiovascular health by slightly reducing LDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure. One review, for instance, found that people who drank black tea every day had slightly lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) levels (healthline.com). Drinking black tea regularly may also lower the risk of stroke and help balance the bacteria in the gut.

It's still the most popular tea in the world today. Many people in the West and South Asia eat it all the time because it tastes warm and familiar. A lot of people like black tea with milk or lemon because it has a strong, brisk taste.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is a type of tea that has been partially oxidized, so it is between green and black tea. After being picked, oolong leaves are left to dry and then gently bruised (by tossing or shaking) to start the oxidation process. However, they are then heated before they are fully oxidized. completeshealthline.com. Oxidation levels usually range from 10% to 70% (goodtea.eu). Lightly oxidized oolongs make a brew that tastes more like green tea (light, floral, and slightly sweet), while heavily oxidized oolongs make a brew that tastes more like black tea (rich and toasty). Oolong teas can taste like flowers (like spring green oolongs), fruits (like lychee or peach), cream, or even caramel toasty (from heavier roasting). This is because of how they are made. Some well-known oolongs are Taiwanese high-mountain teas and Chinese Tieguanyin, which often look like orchids.

There is a moderate amount of caffeine in oolong, usually between 30 and 50 mg per cup. One report, for instance, says that there are about 38 mg in an 8-ounce (cuphealthline.com). Oolong tea has some of the same properties as both green and black teas. It has a mix of polyphenols, such as catechins (like EGCG) and (theaflavinshealthline.com). Researchers have looked into how these antioxidants affect health. Some studies have shown that drinking oolong tea regularly can help your metabolism by making you burn more calories and fat. Like other teas, oolong tea has L-theanine in it, which can help you stay awake. Some big studies that look at a lot of people suggest that people who drink oolong tea have lower rates of heart disease and stroke, just like people who drink green tea.

In this case, oolong is a Chinese or Taiwanese tea. The name means "black dragon," but it looks very different from one person to the next. In Chinese dim sum culture, a pot of oolong tea that smells good is often served with the meal. People really value the skill of making oolong tea, which involves knowing when to oxidize and fire it. People often say that oolong tea is good for your health because it helps with digestion and weight loss. However, because it has a moderate amount of caffeine, it is usually drunk earlier in the day.

Tisanes (Herbal Tea)

"Herbal tea" is a general term for any drink made from herbs, spices, flowers, fruits, or other plants that doesn't have caffeine in it. It doesn't just come from the tea plants / bushes. Chamomile, peppermint, ginger, rooibos, hibiscus, lavender, and rooibos - these are all just a few examples of teas that classify as "herbal". Herbal tisanes don't have much caffeine in them because they aren't from the "tea" plant (unless they are mixed with yerba mate or other stimulants). (verywellhealth.com).

The flavors and smells of herbal teas depend a lot on what they are made of. For example, chamomile is soft and floral, peppermint is cool and minty, ginger is spicy and warming, hibiscus is tart and berry-like, and rooibos (from South Africa) is sweet and earthy. People often pick herbal infusions based on how they make them feel. Chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm are all well-known for helping people relax and sleep (better.verywellhealth.com).

A lot of herbal teas have long been used for health reasons that are backed by nutrition. Hibiscus tea has a lot of anthocyanins, which are antioxidants. Drinking it regularly has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. (verywellhealth.com). Chamomile has calming flavonoids in it and is thought to help with stress or menstrual pain. In folk medicine, echinacea and elderflower teas are well-known for boosting the immune system and fighting colds. Echinacea compounds, for example, can help the body fight off respiratory infections. Turmeric and ginger are both very good at reducing inflammation. Many people drink herbs as part of a healthy routine or to help with specific problems, like sleep or digestion, even though there isn't much rigorous clinical research on them.

In this case, herbal tisanes have been used in traditional medicine all over the world for hundreds of years. For instance, peppermint is used in Europe to help with stomach problems, and jasmine or rose hips are popular in Asia. Today, people often drink them without caffeine at the end of the day or to mix things up at tea time. Each herbal tea has its own set of benefits because they come from different plants. To know what you're getting, read the labels and be careful of any ingredients.

In conclusion

To sum up, green, black, and oolong teas all come from the same plant, but they are made in different ways. Green tea hasn't been oxidized, so it tastes fresh and plant-like. Black tea has been fully oxidized, so it tastes strong and malty. Oolong tea is somewhere in between (partially oxidized) and has a wide range of flavors. (goodtea.eu) and (serious eats.com). The way the tea is processed also changes the amount of caffeine and antioxidants it has.

Black tea usually has the most caffeine, green tea has the least, and oolong tea is in the middle. All three teas have a lot of healthy polyphenols, but they are all different. Green tea has EGCG, black tea has theaflavins, and oolong tea has a mix of both. (nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.eduhealthline.com). On the other hand, herbal teas are not Camellia but herbal infusions, which are usually caffeine-free and have health benefits based on their plant ingredients (for example, chamomile for sleep, mint for digestion, hibiscus for heart health, and so on).

The flavor and purpose of a tea are what make it special. Green or oolong tea might be good for you if you want a gentle boost with antioxidants. Black tea is the best choice if you like a strong morning drink. Herbal tisanes come in a wide range of flavors and don't have caffeine, so they can help you relax or treat specific problems.

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