Green Tea Vs. Green Tea Extract: Which One Is Better For You?

 As our dietary format is persistently steering towards healthier options, so many cups of regular teas have been replaced with those of green teas. The hot, herbal drink is known to digest food naturally and may aid in weight loss. Along with other innumerable health benefits, green tea has gradually become one of the most preferred everyday detox beverages. Green tea is made from the camellia sinensis plant. The process involves withering, steaming, pan-frying the leaves of the plant and then drying them. Green tea contains powerful antioxidants that may boost our gut biome to fight off the disease-causing microorganisms. Not only that, green tea is also known to boost immunity system of the body and building a strong defence against chronic problems like diabetes, heart ailments etc.

^{Green tea has gradually become one of the most preferred everyday detox beverage}

Given the many health benefits that green tea provides, it is an ideal organic replacement for tea to get over energy slump and get the much-needed dose of caffeine to go on about the day. But, there are many tea lovers who are used to having their cup of tea with the creaminess of milk and sweetness of sugar. It's difficult for them to develop a taste for this rather bitter-tasting alternative. So, most of these people who also turn health freaks, have to give up entirely on tea. But then, there are some who go for green tea extracts, usually available in a capsule form to replenish their body with the goodness of tea. 

Green tea extract is a supplement derived from the green tea plant. It contains concentrated compounds of antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins and flavonoids of green tea. If a capsule contains the same amount of active ingredients as a cup of green tea, why shouldn't you just switch to it? Wait... There are some facts you should know about green tea extracts before making a sure shot decision. 

Also Read: What Is The Best Time To Drink Green Tea

^{Green tea extract is a supplement derived from the green tea plant}

Why Green Tea Extracts May Not Be As Good As They Look?

Even though green tea extracts provide the same nutritional benefits as drinking a cup of green tea, you should remember that a supplement will always remain just that - a supplement. As nutritionists promote eating protein-rich foods than relying on protein supplement capsules, same school of thought applies to any source of nutrition in your diet. 

Green tea extracts are supposed to contain the same amount of properties as contained in green tea leaves they are extracted from. But, the process of extraction can leave out some content in the leaves only. What you get is a derivative, sans the complete profile of the green tea leaf. 

And, there's always a risk of adulteration. Different manufacturers create the extracts differently. With the absence of a uniform nomenclature and details of the process not being mentioned in the product labels, consumers can never be sure if they are getting the product in its pure form. 

Also Read: How To Make A Perfect Cup Of Green Tea

_{A warm cup of freshly brewed green tea is any day better than popping a supplement pill}

 
So What Should We Do?

Anything ingested in its purest form is more beneficial to the body. A warm cup of freshly brewed green tea is any day better than popping a supplement pill. But, if you have tried and just can't build a taste for green tea, you may give its extract a try. These capsules give you almost the same health benefits as drinking green tea would, only if you exercise caution. You should not take high doses of the capsules; best consult your nutritionists or doctor for recommendations. 

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.