Is Green Tea an Herbal Tea?

Is Green Tea an Herbal Tea?

Green tea comes from the leaves of Camellia sinensis plants while herbal tisanes, commonly referred to as herbal infusions, are made with herbs, fruits, flowers and other plant parts instead of tea leaves. Both types of tea provide health benefits while herbal varieties do not contain caffeine.

Green tea’s antioxidants, specifically epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), may have anti-inflammatory effects that could help lower risk for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and psoriasis. Furthermore, research shows EGCG reduces glucose in your bloodstream after meals which helps manage type 2 diabetes more effectively – according to one clinical study people who consumed six or more cups per day had 33% lower chances of developing it than those who didn’t drink green tea at all!

Green tea contains polyphenols that may protect against liver disease and oxidative stress that could contribute to heart disease. Furthermore, one molecule known as theanine in green tea may relax muscles while improving concentration and immunity function.

Green tea’s anti-inflammatory properties also make it useful in fighting gout, an acute joint condition characterized by stiffness and swelling, as well as osteoporosis by decreasing bone loss and strengthening bones. Green tea may even prevent dental cavities as well as guarding against breast cancer.

Laboratory studies have indicated that chemicals found in green tea could help inhibit prostate cancer cell growth; however, the results from studies in humans remain more uncertain. Still, some experts advise men undergoing prostate cancer treatments to refrain from drinking green tea or taking tea extracts; there have been reports that both black and green tea stimulate genes found in prostate cancer cells that make them resistant to chemotherapy drugs.

Scientists are investigating whether green tea and EGCG may reduce the risk of stomach cancer; however, results of clinical trials are mixed. Stomach cancer occurs as a result of inflammation and carcinogens entering the GI tract; some experts think tea might offer protection from these threats.

Caffeine, which gives green tea its stimulating properties, can also cause jitters and insomnia, so if you are having difficulty sleeping it’s recommended that you switch to decaffeinated varieties; however keep in mind that doing so may remove some essential antioxidants as well as caffeine from the tea.

Herbal teas are caffeine-free, without the same compounds found in green tea. Individuals with allergies should take special caution with herbal tea consumption as some varieties contain herbs, flowers or plants which could trigger an allergic reaction. Before drinking herbal tea for relaxation and sleepiness purposes, always check its ingredients on its label – for instance chamomile and peppermint contain compounds which promote relaxation and sleepiness while other varieties such as hibiscus senna and lemon balm can be purchased as soothing teas to treat insomnia, tension headaches, indigestion and constipation symptoms.