TEA VS TISANES

Understanding the Differences and Benefits

- Sunil Malhotra

Tea is one of the world's most beloved beverages, with a rich history that spans thousands of years and cultures across the globe. But while tea enthusiasts may reach for their favorite green, black, or white tea leaves, there's another world of soothing, flavorful brews known as tisanes (commonly referred to as herbal teas). Although often lumped together, tea and tisanes are quite different, both in their origin and health benefits. This article explores the key differences between the two, their unique benefits, and how you can choose the right one for your lifestyle.

What is Tea?

Tea, in its true sense, refers to the beverage made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. This versatile plant gives rise to several varieties of tea, including green tea, black tea, white tea, and oolong tea. The key difference among these types lies in the processing methods. For example, black tea is fully oxidized, while green tea is not oxidized at all, which leads to differences in flavor, caffeine content, and health benefits.

Health Benefits of Tea: Tea is packed with beneficial compounds such as catechins, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants. Here are some of the key benefits of various types of tea: Green Tea: Known for its high concentration of antioxidants, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), green tea helps improve metabolism, aids in fat burning, and supports heart health by lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. Additionally, green tea may help protect the brain from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Black Tea: Rich in theaflavins and flavonoids, black tea improves heart health by lowering blood pressure and reducing cholesterol levels. It is also known to improve gut health by supporting healthy gut bacteria.