Key Takeaways
- Black tea and herbal tea contain antioxidants, but black tea generally offers more antioxidant power than herbal tea.
- The specific antioxidant power of any tea depends on factors such as where the leaves were grown, the specific blend, the processing method, the brew strength, and any added ingredients.
- Black and herbal teas offer a range of potential health benefits and are safe for most people to consume daily.
Black tea is a true tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant, while herbal teas come from other plants and aren’t technically teas. Both provide antioxidants, but research suggests black tea generally contains higher levels than most herbal varieties, which can vary widely.
Black Tea Antioxidant Properties
Black tea is a popular drink and is used in common tea blends such as Bigelow, Chai, and Earl Grey. True teas are rich in polyphenols, which act as antioxidants. These include:
- Catechins
- Theaflavins
- Thearubigins
- Gallic acid
- Flavonols
Black teas have higher amounts of polyphenols and may provide greater antioxidant activity than herbal teas. However, among true teas, green tea tends to have greater antioxidant power than black tea.
Black tea also contains a group of polyphenols called theaflavins, which most other teas lack. Theaflavins form during oxidation and make up 3%-6% of the polyphenols in black tea. Research suggests that theaflavins have anti-cancer properties.
Studies indicate that drinking three cups of black tea daily significantly affects the body’s antioxidant status and may reduce the risk of developing many chronic disorders caused by free radicals.
Herbal Tea Antioxidant Properties
Chamomile, ginger, and hibiscus are among the popular varieties of herbal tea. People enjoy herbal teas for their unique flavors, fragrances, and potential health benefits. Because herbal teas come from a variety of spices, flowers, and herbs, they offer a diverse range of polyphenols with antioxidant properties. For example:
- Chamomile tea contains flavonoids such as apigenin, quercetin, patuletin, luteolin, and glucosides
- Cinnamon tea is rich in procyanidins and catechins
- Dandelion tea has high levels of flavonoids and phenolic acids
- Ginger tea contains abundant gingerol and shogaol
- Peppermint tea is brimming with rosmarinic acid and flavonoids
Lemon balm and cistus teas are among the herbal teas with the highest antioxidant properties. However, the antioxidant properties of herbal teas are generally lower than those of black tea.
It’s also worth noting that there are hundreds of herbal tea varieties and blends with significant differences in flavor, antioxidant power, and other health benefits.
Factors That Affect Antioxidant Activity
In addition to the wide variety of tea types, factors that can alter flavonoid content and affect antioxidant activity include:
- Where the tea leaves were grown, and the specific blend of leaves
- Type of processing, brew time, and whether it has been decaffeinated (decaffeinated tea may lose polyphenols)
- Added ingredients such as honey, lemon, milk, and sugar
Health Benefits of Antioxidants
The body produces free radicals in response to ultraviolet rays, smoke, pollutants, chemicals, and other environmental attacks. The body also generates free radicals to fight bacteria, viruses, and damaged body cells.
An accumulation of free radicals can lead to oxidative stress, which is linked to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Antioxidants are natural compounds that neutralize free radicals that damage DNA, helping to reduce the risk of oxidative stress.
Studies show that polyphenols in black tea act as antioxidants, neutralizing the destructive effects of free radicals.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Tea
Most people can safely drink tea every day. However, some herbal teas can interact with medications, so it’s a good idea to check with a healthcare professional if you regularly take medications.
Another thing to consider is caffeine. An 8-ounce cup of black tea has about 47.4 milligrams (mg) of caffeine. Decaffeinated black tea may still contain small amounts of caffeine. Most herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free, though some may contain trace amounts. If you want to avoid caffeine, herbal teas may be a better choice.
In addition, some herbal teas may help reduce stress, promote relaxation, or improve digestion. Black tea and herbal teas offer a variety of antioxidants and other compounds that benefit overall health, so choose the tea you enjoy.
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