Both green tea and herbal tea can be consumed by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, but when it comes to honey, not all vegetarians will line up for a dollop in their cup. Honey is an animal by-product, and as such, strict vegans do not consume it. Green tea is popular due to reports of its health effects. Many herbal teas are known to have positive health effects as well. However, some types of herbal tea have safety issues that may not make them appropriate for you, regardless of being vegetarian or not.
Green Tea Defined
Herbal teas are derived from different types of plants, but non-herbal teas, such as black, oolong and green tea are all made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. These leaves are processed in different ways to create different forms of tea. Tea leaves destined to become black tea are subjected to a process of rolling and break down. This process, referred to by tea makers as "fermentation," causes the deterioration of substances inside the leaves called polyphenols. Green tea is not fermented. The leaves are withered and steamed, thus their polyphenols are left intact, according to the Linus Pauling Institute.
Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea is one of the most popular beverages on the planet. Extracts made from green tea are rapidly growing in popularity in the U.S., according to "American Family Physician." This is likely due to a plethora of studies that indicate possible health benefits from regular consumption of green tea. The journal states that studies have indicated links between green tea consumption and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer and overall mortality.
Herbal Tea Defined
Herbal teas are those not created from the Camellia sinensis plant. There is a wide range of plants from which herbal teas can be created, which consequently means that they could confer a wide range of possible health benefits. While green tea is made solely from leaves, herbal teas can be made from the roots, flowers, leaves, seeds or berries of plants, further expanding their range of health benefits and flavors. True herbal teas do not contain caffeine, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
Benefits of Herbal Tea
An exhaustive list of all the benefits of all types of herbal tea would be too vast to list here, but a few examples can give you an idea of their versatility. A hot cup of peppermint tea -- one of the most popular herbal teas -- not only serves as a refreshing beverage, but also may help relieve morning sickness and flatulence. Dandelion roots and leaves can be brewed into a tea that provides vegetarians with added vitamin A, calcium and iron. Chamomile tea is often used to relieve insomnia. Red raspberry leaf tea has graced the pantry of many a pregnant woman, due to its ability to tone the uterus, increase lactation and ease labor pains, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
Caution
In some instances, your personal health status may contraindicate drinking certain types of herbal tea. If you are taking prescription medications or have a pre-existing health condition, it's wise to consult your doctor before drinking herbal tea. Pregnant vegetarians and carnivores alike should consult their midwife or doctor before drinking herbal teas.
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