Black Tea vs. Herbal Tea: Which Has More Antioxidants?

Tea 

All Types of Tea Provide Antioxidants (Reuters)

While black tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant, various herbal teas, such as chamomile, ginger, and hibiscus, are made from other plants and are not technically classified as tea.

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

Black Tea's Antioxidant Properties

Black tea is rich in polyphenols, natural plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the most prominent polyphenols found in tea include catechins, theaflavins, thearubigins, gallic acid, and flavonols.

Black tea contains higher levels of polyphenols and may offer greater antioxidant activity than other herbal teas. However, among true teas, green tea tends to have a higher concentration of antioxidants than black tea.

But black tea also contains theaflavins, compounds that most other teas lack. Theaflavins are formed during oxidation and make up 3 to 6 percent of the polyphenols in black tea. Research suggests that theaflavins have anti-cancer properties.

Studies indicate that drinking three cups of black tea daily significantly impacts the body's antioxidant status and may reduce the risk of several chronic diseases caused by free radicals, which are harmful molecules constantly produced by the body as cells function and can damage cells.

Antioxidants in Herbal Teas

Chamomile, ginger, and hibiscus are among the most popular herbal teas. People enjoy herbal teas for their distinctive flavors and aromas and their potential health benefits.

Because herbal teas are made from a variety of spices, flowers, and herbs, they offer a wide range 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 gingerol and shogaol. Peppermint contains rosmarinic acid, all of which are beneficial antioxidants.

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