Black Tea vs. Green Tea: Which Is Healthier?

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Black tea and green tea have different health benefits, according to dietitians. Black tea may help support heart health with its polyphenols and antioxidants, while green tea may play a role in cancer prevention, weight management, and brain health. Both teas have caffeine, which can have pros and cons. The experts say the best tea comes down to personal preference, caffeine tolerance, and how it fits into your daily routine.

Why it matters

Tea is a popular beverage choice, but knowing the specific health benefits of black tea versus green tea can help people make an informed decision about which one to incorporate into their diet based on their wellness goals.

The details

Black tea leaves are fully oxidized, giving them a stronger flavor and color, while green tea leaves are heated after harvesting to prevent oxidation. This results in different nutrient profiles and beneficial plant compounds in each type of tea. Black tea contains more caffeine than green tea, with an 8-ounce cup having 48 mg compared to 29 mg in green tea. Black tea is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants like theaflavins that can support heart and gut health, while green tea contains catechins that may help with cancer prevention, weight management, and brain function.

• The Frontiers in Nutrition study on the heart health benefits of black and green tea was published in 2022.
• The review in the British Journal of Nutrition on green tea's weight loss benefits was published in 2021.
• The research on tea staining teeth was published in 2024.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Researchers continue to study the specific health benefits of black tea versus green tea, and how the compounds in each type of tea may impact different aspects of wellness.