Black Tea vs. Herbal Teas: Which Contains More Antioxidants?

SadaNews - While black tea is made from the Chinese camellia plant, various herbal teas such as chamomile, ginger, and hibiscus are made from other plants and are not technically classified as types of tea.

Both types provide antioxidants, but research suggests that black tea generally contains higher levels of antioxidants compared to most types of herbal teas, which can vary considerably in their antioxidant levels, according to the "Verywell Health" website.

Antioxidant Properties of Black Tea

Black tea is a beverage rich in "polyphenols," which are natural plant compounds abundant in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the most prominent "polyphenols" found in tea include catechins, theaflavins, thearubigins, gallic acid, and flavonols.

Black tea contains larger amounts of "polyphenols" and may provide greater antioxidant activity than other herbal teas. However, among true teas, green tea tends to have the highest concentration of antioxidants compared to black tea.

But black tea also contains "theaflavins," which are lacking in most other tea types. "Theaflavins" are formed during oxidation and account for 3 to 6 percent of the "polyphenols" found in black tea. Research indicates that "theaflavins" have anti-cancer properties.

Studies suggest that drinking three cups of black tea daily significantly affects the antioxidant status in the body and may reduce the risk of many chronic diseases resulting from free radicals, harmful molecules that the body continuously produces as cells perform their functions and can cause cell damage.

Antioxidants in Herbal Teas

Chamomile, ginger, and hibiscus are among the commonly enjoyed herbal teas. People enjoy herbal tea for its unique flavors, aromas, and potential health benefits.

Since herbal tea is made from a variety of spices, flowers, and herbs, it offers a wide spectrum of "polyphenols" with antioxidant properties.

For example, chamomile tea contains antioxidant "flavonoids" such as apigenin, quercetin, patuletin, and luteolin. Cinnamon tea is rich in compounds like procyanidins and catechins. Ginger is rich in compounds such as gingerols and shogaols. Peppermint contains rosmarinic acid, all of which are antioxidants beneficial to health.

However, in general, the antioxidant power of herbal teas is lower than that found in black tea.