Does Green Tea Have More Vitamin C Than Black Tea?

Green tea and black tea are produced from the same plant so they do share many of the same health benefits, but it is the way in which the tea leaves are processed that determines the amount of vitamins and healthy antioxidant properties in each variety.

Green tea is produced when the tender young tea leaves are gently heated and dried. The heating process prevents fermentation which can reduce some of the health benefits. Black tea is allowed to dry and the fermentation that takes place in its processing causes some of the medicinal benefits to be lost.

Both teas contain healthful anti-oxidants and minerals such as zinc. Both contain vitamin E and naturally occuring vitamin C, but it is green tea that has the highest concentration of vitamin C with over 400 mg per serving, compared to slightly over 200mg in a serving of black tea.

Adding milk and sugar to tea may cancel out some of the health benefits, but a recent study at Purdue Universtiy shows that adding an additional ounce of citrus juice, such as lemon, orange or lime, may increase the amount of anti-oxidants that remain after digestion. The amount of vitamin C in green tea is significant. Four cups of green tea has as much vitamin C as a whole lemon.

The quantity of green tea consumed is also important. Studies show that those who drink 4 to 6 cups per day receive the most benefits in terms of reduced incidences of various cancers such as mouth cancer and gastric cancer. Green tea is hypotensive and lowers blood pressue and increases blood flow. It is thought to lower cholesteral and reduce strokes in men. Green tea is also known to have antibacterial properties. All of these qualities may be increased by the amount of naturally occurring vitamin C in green tea.

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