Green tea and black tea are not much different as they come from the same plant. The difference lies in the method of treatment - black tea is allowed to ferment and is oxidized, while green tea isn't allowed to ferment as much. Depending on how green tea is processed (roasted or steamed) and where it is geographically, green tea could be partially fermented or not fermented at all.

Green tea retains much of its tannic acid content, compared to black tea, tannic acid, which decomposes to form more caffeine. This additional tannic acid in green tea has many features and significant health benefits such as:

* There is a lower amount of caffeine. Although there is some caffeine, the caffeine is still linked in a chain (continuous), and the caffeine is released at a rate much slower and milder in the body than either black tea or even coffee.

*  The effects of the tannic acid is said to be good on the health and can reduce the risk of cancer and inflammation, both appeasing and soothing the gastrointestinal system.

* There is more vitamin C in green tea, because of the fact that there is little or no fermentation. Vitamin C is easily destroyed during the fermentation process.

* There is more vitamin B and thiamine in green tea. This ensures that our brain cells do not lack energy, and also protects the nervous system against being over stimulated.

The various active substances in green tea have been attributed to produce various effects on the body, most of them good. The effective blend of green tea, vitamin C and flavonoids may help protect us against bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Green tea can also help diabetics as it slows down the processing of complex carbohydrates into sugar, thus keeping the sugar levels in the blood to a healthier level. However, it does not and can not help with refined sugars, which are found in sweets, cakes and chocolates. So if you are a diabetic, it makes plenty of sense to include green tea in your regular diet.

If you substitute green tea instead of drinking your coffee with milk and black tea with milk, then you can get rid of a lot of calories that you normally get from the milk and sugar. Since green tea is best drunk plain, there are very little calories in it, almost zero. This is in contrast to approximately 80 calories in coffee with milk and sugar.  It's no wonder that green tea along with herbal slimming tea is a popular way to lose weight.

Some simply hate the taste of green tea, and for these people, they can also derive the health benefits of green tea without drinking. This is made possible by the introduction of green tea pills that make the task of consuming green tea more manageable.  Of course, you should also try the green teas that have added flavours such as mint, apple and raspberry.