Which tea is the healthiest?

Many people who start drinking tea want to know which tea is the healthiest. Actually, we can say that all tea is equally healthy since all tea comes from the same leaf. But there are some differences.

Basics of tea production and health

When thinking about the healthiness of drinking tea, it is important to remember that all types of tea come from the same bush and the same type of leaf. (Read more about tea production here: The difference between all types of tea ) If we disregard the quality of the crop, soil, bulk/tea bag, etc., we can therefore say, roughly speaking, that all teas are equally healthy. But they are healthy in different ways.

The oxidation process and its effects on tea

The most important difference is the oxidation that occurs when green tea becomes black tea. After the cell walls are broken and oxidation has occurred, the molecular bonds have changed. This means that black tea has a different type of antioxidant, with a different type of effect, than green tea. Green tea has catechins, but in the leaves of black tea, the catechins have been converted into what we call theaflavins. Both are antioxidants.

Health benefits of green tea

What's so great about catechins is that, like all antioxidants, they can protect the cells in the body, but they can also show good results in preventing clogged blood vessels and reducing high blood pressure. In addition, it is said to help stabilize blood sugar and reduce cholesterol. As if that weren't enough, it has antibacterial properties that help with bad breath and healthy oral health. Read more about Which green tea is the healthiest?

Other tea varieties with health benefits

In addition to the well-known health benefits of green and black tea, it’s also worth considering other varieties like oolong and white tea. Oolong tea, which is partially oxidized, contains a mix of catechins and theaflavins, giving it a unique position between green and black teas in terms of antioxidant properties. White tea, which is the least processed of all teas, retains a higher level of antioxidants because it is dried naturally, often in sunlight. This helps preserve a high concentration of catechins, which are linked to improving skin health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.

This sounds really good, so why not start your day with a cup of green tea? -Any kind! See our selection here