Which is better to drink, black tea or green tea?

Generally speaking, whether black tea or green tea is better mainly depends on an individual's environment and physical condition. Black tea is preferable for those with gastrointestinal discomfort or in cold environments, while green tea is better for antioxidant effects or to refresh the mind and improve alertness. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Black tea is fully fermented and has a mild nature. During the fermentation process, polyphenols in the tea are transformed, reducing their irritancy. Substances such as theaflavins and thearubigins are produced, which can promote digestion and protect the gastric mucosa. Therefore, drinking black tea can help warm the stomach and aid digestion when gastrointestinal function is weak. Black tea also has a warming effect; in cold weather, caffeine in black tea can stimulate the central nervous system, creating a feeling of warmth that helps resist the cold.

Green tea is unfermented and retains a large amount of polyphenols, giving it strong antioxidant properties. People who frequently use electronic devices like computers and mobile phones, or those in heavily polluted environments, tend to produce more free radicals in their bodies, which may accelerate aging and cause diseases. Drinking green tea at such times can utilize the antioxidant properties of polyphenols to remove free radicals, providing effects of radiation protection and anti-aging. Additionally, green tea contains certain amounts of caffeine and theanine. Caffeine can stimulate the central nervous system, increase brain activity, help refresh the mind, and improve work and study efficiency.

Whether drinking black tea or green tea, it should not be too strong. Strong tea may cause rapid heartbeat, insomnia, and other problems, and can also irritate the gastrointestinal tract. If you have special medical conditions or are taking medication, it is recommended to consult your doctor before drinking tea to avoid potential interactions between the tea and medications that might affect your health.