Tea is a mass drink. Consumed across the globe in various forms, it has a huge following. However in India, the good’ol ‘Masala Chai’, which is a blend of black tea and Indian spices, has always been a predominant drink. But with the advent of Green tea culture, lots of tea-lovers have switched to this highly beneficial Green Tea. Some call it rich in anti-oxidants and a total detoxifier for the body. But does that mean that it is better than our traditional ‘Masala Chai’? We take a brief analysis of the two types of teas:
Origin & Process: Interestingly, Green and black teas come from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis. But it’s the process that differentiates the two. The process of making black tea leads to the killing of compounds called catechins. On the other hand, catechins in Green tea are in abundance because of the minimum processing of the Green tea.
Health Benefits: A lot has been said that Green tea helps to burn the body fat but besides this quality it is also loaded with other benefits. Green tea is now proved to be a cancer preventive drink based on in vitro, in vivo and epidemiological studies. Animal studies have shown that it inhibits carcinogenesis of Skin, lungs, oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, liver, kidney, prostate and other organs. Other benefits include Anti Alzheimer’s effect, anti microbial effect, anti oxidant effects, anti Parkinson’s effect, improved vision, prevents hair loss and has anti allergic and anti viral potentials. It also has beneficial effects on Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis.
Calorie Burner: This is perhaps the biggest advantage of Green Tea. It helps to burn body fat due to its antioxidant capacity as it increases the metabolic rate and helps liver to function more efficiently. Also, it has diuretic like properties, helping eliminate excess water, thereby reducing weight. Numerous studies have shown a reduction in body weight and visceral fat after long term green tea consumption. Also it has short term promising effects on energy expenditure and fat oxidation.
Caffeine Quotient: The caffeine amount in Black tea is around two to three times more than Green Tea. Let’s understand this through an example. In a cup of 240 ml of masala tea, the usual caffeine content is around 60-90 mg while in green tea this quantity is meager 25 -35 mg caffeine. Not to forget that an overdose of Caffeine triggers off pressure on heart, blood pressure and also leads to anxiety disorders.
Boosts Oral Health: Both Green and Black teas are a natural source of fluoride thereby provides an effective delivery of fluoride to the oral cavity, thus proving to be the best functional food for oral health.
Doctors Take: Sweety Mandot, Dietician, Bhatia hospital explains, ‘Green tea is widely used as a functional food due to its health promoting benefits particularly due to its polyphenol content. Numerous researches have proved green tea to be more beneficial than regular tea as it is loaded with polyphenols, Carotenoids, tocopherols, vitamin C and minerals like Chromium, Mangenese, Zinc, Selenium and many others.’ Mitalee Doshi, Founder of Oomph Nutrition.com also echoes similar thoughts as she says, ‘While a cup of black tea contains about 5- 10 mg of the powerful catechin EGCG, a cup of green tea contains more than eight times that amount, 40-90 mg.’
Medicinal Properties Of ‘Masala Chai’: The spices used in the traditional Masala Chai are known for their medicinal properties. Like clove or cinnamon are not only good for digestion but also are good sources of antioxidants. And without addition of milk and sugar the same ‘Masala Chai’ is as healthy as green tea loaded with antioxidants.
The Downside: Green tea is loaded with health benefits, but it too also has some negative outcomes that should be watched for. Like its best to be avoided by Cardiac patients, pregnant and breast feeding women as it increases the heart rate. Also patients with renal failure should refrain from using Green tea in large amounts as it deposits aluminum in the body which progresses towards Neurological diseases.
So, if Green Tea is rich is packed with host of health benefits, our ‘Masala Chai’ is loaded with medicinal properties. However the key to good health lies in moderation. So, choose your pick accordingly and witness some great health benefits. However we suggest the best of both the worlds!
By: Neha Saraiya
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