The global tea market is worth about $941 million. Green tea makes up just 20 percent of the total tea market. However, research continues to show that it provides health benefits much greater than black tea, which makes up 78 percent of the market. Green tea contains over four times more antioxidants than black tea. For example, green tea contains 70 mg catechins per 100 mL compared to just 15 mg per mL for black tea.
So if you're a tea drinker, consider switching from black tea to green tea and take advantage of the additional antioxidants and their associated health benefits. However, keep in mind that this study looked at the traditional consumption of green tea, not the blended, frozen green tea treat commonly consumed here in the United States at popular coffee shops. The extra sugar and fat found in the frozen, blended preparation is likely to counter the benefits of green tea. To get maximum benefits consume green tea as it is traditionally prepared by the Japanese and other Asian countries.
To read the full study, visit the American Journal of Clinical Nutriton website.
Dr. Tea's Commentary: This should come as no shock to devoted tea drinkers. Just the ritual associated with making a cup of tea is calming. Then there are the wonderful aromas. We now know that a component of green tea, known as l-theanine, is responsible for many of the calming and anxiety relieving qualities of our favorite beverage. So useful is l-theanine that it now comes as a dietary supplement. Combined with glycine, it really works wonders.
