Question: Is green tea against the Word of Wisdom for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints?
Answer: Yes. Justify, avoid, deflect or use any other means you deem necessary to try to make it acceptable in your head. But the fact remains that is is not permitted. You may choose to drink it; we never sacrifice agency. But you will not be following the guidelines of the church. Period.
I wrote a post earlier that mentioned this debate. The comments I got on it were mainly on the tea subject. Here is what I said and two comments from it:
"Anna was in Relief Society during a lesson on the word of wisdom. At one point they spoke about green tea. Suddenly a member of the RS raised her hand and said, "But I drink green tea every day. It's good for me." Kudos to the one Japanese sister who stood up and declared that green tea by any name was unequivocally against church policy. Many others in the room appeared to be on the fence. The tea drinking sister stood firm on her ground. Then to try to keep the atmosphere politically correct, some raised their hands and said something to the effect of, "Well, it may be good for you. And if it is, then that is OK. But that is something that you need to determine for yourself. But just don't preach that to others."
Anna came out of that meeting scratching her head and slightly puzzled. She said it seemed as if they had just successfully justified drinking green tea. Anna is Asian and from tea country. Had she been any less brilliant than she is, she could have walked away from there thinking it was acceptable to drink it. Had I been there, I would have stood up and let them know that any justification is not good enough. The Church is clear on this one. Anyone drinking it should not be taking the sacrament or be worthy of a temple recommend."
Comment:
"Having read your blog and paying special attention to your stance on 'green tea', I have to plainly say that it is exactly that: 'your stance'. Having been in a bishopric, I can certainly tell you that it is not as black and white as we would often times like it to be. The church handbook is clear only in the sense of 'coffee and tea.' It is just as easy to justify that members not drink herbal tea because it is a hot drink and is called a 'tea' as it is to say that green tea is prohibited because it says 'tea'. Either side can be justified easily. As for the relief society conversation, had I been there I assure you there would have been an intersting debate. You also have to keep the culture of the people in mind. And again, having been in a bishopric 'twice actually' drinking green tea [is] not sufficient grounds for yanking a temple recommend. You have to justify taking it just as much as not taking it away. Unfortunately, not so cut and dry. Like to hear from you about this if time permits. Cheers!"
Comment:
"Funny that I happened to stumble across this blog article when searching for the churches stance on white and green tea. Guess what, there isn't one. The word of wisdom only specifies not to take in things which are harmful to your body. Green tea and white tea, which are not fermented, do not fall under the category of harmful since leaving out the fermentation process also leaves out all the harmful chemicals. Just as the poster above me has stated, you need to be more clear on what is your opinion rather than stating it as fact. Otherwise you'll upset a whole lot of people who currently drink herbal and green teas. There's no official stance on the matter, so don't try to sound like Mr. High and Mighty by saying you shouldn't drink them."
Call me "Mr. High and Mighty" if you wish, but here's the straight deal, no more mincing words. Now, anyone can claim anything they want. So I have had to do some leg work as well. For simplicity I'm linking many statements to Wikipedia. I know the site is not an official source of knowledge and without fault. But it's a convent reference point and everything I say can be verified by checking with other sources as well.
This is not a debate on why tea is not allowed. Fermented or not; Caffeine or not, I don't care. I'm not one of those who declare we cannot have a can of cola if it has caffeine in it.
First, let's clarify what "Green Tea" is. Green tea comes from the root of the Camellia sinensis plant. This is the same plant that is used for Black Tea, White Tea, Yellow Tea, and Oolong Tea. Naturally, being of the same plant and basic chemical makeup, all of these teas are also subject to the same restrictions.
Also, we seem to be oddly omitting some basic common sense. When the Doctrine and Covenants says, "hot drinks" what do you think it could be referring to? What hot drinks did they have back then? Coffee and Tea are just about the only two I can think of. They may have had warm apple cider, I suppose. But back then apple cider was generally alcoholic and distinctly different than apple juice. No one can debate whether or not Mormons should be drinking anything alcoholic. Hot coco did exist, but was not as common in that part of the world back then and was limited to relatively wealthy socialites. The drinks Joseph Smith and the early Saints had access to that could fall into the category of hot drinks are Coffee and Tea and was not debated at the time. This is of course, the "common sense" answer.
The old phrase "Common sense ain't so common any more" fits in here. So we need some authoritative word. I know, it would be nice if we didn't have to be "compelled in all things," but alas, it seems many need it on this one.
I did have trouble finding any official published Church material on the subject, as most people have. So I went up my chain of authority. I am a member of the Branch Presidency here in Guam, so I skipped that level. The District presidency agreed, but also couldn't find any written proof. I went to the area's Mission President, who was at the time, President Gary Marshall. He agreed with me, but again, was unable to find something official. He then took the matter to Elder Evans. Elder David F. Evans of the First Quorum of the Seventy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I'd say he's got more experience than being in a bishopric "twice actually."
President Marshall was kind enough to send me a copy of the correspondence. Elder Evans' definitive response is below.
Dear President Marshall,
...Green Tea has long been determined by the First Presidency to be within the definition of hot drinks found in the 89th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants. This misunderstanding was also within the Church in Korea until it was clarified and reaffirmed by the First Presidency a few years ago. Please give this instruction to those within the Micronesia Guam Mission. If there is need for further clarification, please do not hesitate to let me know. Again, thank you for all that you do to keep the Church in order and the doctrine pure.
Elder Evans
Well? I think it'd be hard for naysayers to combat that. This isn't Elder Evans speaking from the stance of a personal opinion. This is as good as official as anyone should need. If this still does not suffice, then no amount of evidence in the world would be sufficient for you. Drink away, but don't mislead others into believe it is a correct action.
I have also spoken with Elder Pita Hopoate an area Seventy who supports this statement.
Yes, I understand that there are other teas that are what we call"herbal". I've know of teas made from rose pedals, etc. And these acceptable teas are the reason why so many feel they can justify teas that come from the camellia sinensis plant. They figure if it comes from a plant and is not fermented, it must be herbal. Marijuana is herbal. So are coffee beans. But we all know we can't indulge in those as well. I'm not an expert of all teas, but this much should be clear. If it is a tea that has come at any point from the camellia sinensis plant, don't drink it. If you are unsure, it's probably best to avoid it.
I'm now descending from my "Mr. High and Mighty" post atop this electronic soap box. I am interested what anyone still defending green tea would have to say on this. I'm ready for personal attacks and the like. But I would be impressed if someone could offer a good counter or rationalization for continuing to drink green tea in light of the evidence at hand.
Lastly, I'll just leave you with one more thought. We all have the light of Christ in us. If we sincerely want to know the truth, the Spirit will be there guide us. It shouldn't be too hard to know for yourself about this issue. In the words of Jacob, "O be wise; what can I say more?" (Jacob 6:12).
Amen.
28 comments:
Thanks for the info. I've never thought that green tea is okay and have had similar conversations, but it's good to hear the stance from the Church.
Thanks for your article. I would really like to see an OFFICIAL statement from the church on this one, Alas not to be I think.
As for your statement that if it comes from the camellia sinensis plant it is banned tea, that just does not hold for me. If I followed that same logic I would not drink grape juice (Wine is from grapes same as grape juice).
For the record, I don't drink green tea. I am researching this because my Brother in Law does and my family was curious if there was an official stand on this.
Now I know that you have a statement from a general authority to your mission, and while I think that is some good evidence in the right direction, the fact that this was not given to the general church ("Please give this instruction to those within the Micronesia Guam Mission.") and is not generally published, makes me still want something more official.
Stephen
Steven,
Thanks for reading. I appreciate that you took the time to reply.
I suppose that "grape" issue was something I should have expected. But we all know the fermentation process changes it. Green tea isn't made from the fermented plant, and that is what is specifically mentioned as forbidden. So, fermented or not with regards to this plant does not change the issue any more than fermented marijuana would be.
And the second thing, about being to those in the mission, that's a pretty week argument. Since the question came from members in the mission boundaries, he was simply telling the president to tell those who asked. Can anyone honestly say the rules on the Word of Wisdom are regional? Can I murder someone in Antarctica but not the US because it hasn't been declared a sin in that part of the world yet? The answer is obvious.
Not official enough? I don't know why, but the church hasn't released a letter with signatures of the First Presidency on it. I'm sure they have their reasons.
However, this is pretty official. This is a member of the Seventy who tells us from first hand experience and on behalf of the First Presidency that green tea is against the Word of Wisdom (regardless of where they live).
Anyone can pick apart my argument if they try hard enough. And many people can find ways to justify adultery if they try hard enough too. Or pick apart the atonement of Christ, or any doctrine. Any sane, honest and reasonable adult member of the church should have no reason to continue drinking green tea if a member of the seventy has officially told people as a representative of the First Presidency that it is against the Word of Wisdom. Period.
I threw out the grapes comment because Black Tea goes through a "Fermentation" process. It seemed very similar in nature to me. However, in researching this a bit more I found that while the process is called "fermentation" no actual fermentation takes place. So I have to agree that the grapes argument is false.
The only difference (that I can see) between black tea and green tea is the amount of time it is left to oxidize (I am pulling this from Wikipedia.)
In reading my comment I see why you responded with the immutable nature of the Word of Wisdom. What I was trying to imply was that an email to another member of the church does not qualify as the church's official stance. Such an official stance is made in Conference talks and Church publications.
The only reason that I can see for the Church to not have made a firm, public stance on this is what I call the parable principal. In my opinion, one of the reasons Christ taught in parables is so that those who were not ready for the truth were not condemned as much for not following it when they heard it (because they did not understand it). It is quite possible that my brother in law would have a very hard time giving up green tea. I believe that if the church had a more firm stance against it he would be under even more condemnation for not giving it up (note that this is just my opinion).
DISCLAIMER: I am not implying that purposeful ignorance in an excuse for sin.
My brother in law drinks it because of the "scientifically proven health benefits". I basically told him that that argument only works if you think the scientists are smarter than our Heavenly Father is.
Anyway, as I stated before, I don't drink green tea (or any kind of tea for that matter) and don't plan to.
Stephen
Stephen,
Well said. Yeah, I know that an email correspondence is not "official" and I wish there would come something more. It might be like you speculated on the "parable principal" or that they hope we can figure it out ourselves and not "be compelled in all things."
I would think (and hope) the word of a church leader acting in that capacity would be enough to at least have people stop and consider the possibility that something may be wrong with drinking the tea. Also, I can personally vouch for the email, but someone reading this in my blog may be suspicious of its authenticity. I can understand that.
It boils down to one thing. The Spirit. I am confident that if people want to really know what God thinks about it, they can find out the same way they gained their testimony in the first place. Once they get a confirmation, well, it's not something that can be used as "fact" in words, but they personally cannot deny it.
Your comment about scientists being smarter than God really hits the nail on the head in this regard.
Thanks again for your comments. It's given me more angles to look at on this debate.
I drink green tea and love it. My brother told me that the president of the church said "tea of the leaf" is what we should not drink. Then I asked him where he heard it at and he did not know, then admitted to hearing it from a friend in church. So many people just make things up and start roumors.
I told him I would quit drinking it when he showed me the statement from a memeber of the First Presidency. It has been 6 months now and still no sign of an offical document.
I know memebers that will not take thier kids to the doctor because they should pray with more faith, members that take every word of scripture literally. The fact is if there is no offical document than it is not true.
The WOW states anything for medicinal use is good. Green tea is healthy and good for humans to consume it fights cancer, promotes good circulation, and is good for the stomach.
What is the bad part about it?
What is so unhealthy about it that out weighs the heathy effect?
Through prayer I have decided that to drink green tea makes me no more unable to go to Heaven than does you eating 25 hot wings or having a piece of fried chicken.
Apostle means representative in Greek. It is literally stronger than the english version we use today, "agent" would be a better word. Seventy is an apostolic calling. When a seventy speaks, he speaks as the Lord's agent on the matter. It is an authoritative response. The debate is not whether green tea has health promoting effects. The question is whether we uphold our leaders as prophets, seers and revelators. If a general authority speaks, we listen our we don't. That's the choice.
Do we speak Greek or English? Where is the document from anyone about green tea?
Please STOP commenting on Church doctrine without citing to the correct sources. Anecdotes are not reliable sources.
The Apr Ensign 1977 demonstrates that herbal teas are OK. "Some people enjoy herbal teas, but even these should not replace more nutritious drinks in the diet." Lora Beth Larson, “The Do’s in the Word of Wisdom,” Ensign, Apr 1977, 4
“And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man “Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.” (D&C 89:10–11.) Lora Beth Larson, “The Do’s in the Word of Wisdom,” Ensign, Apr 1977, 4
"The Lord has given us herbs “to be used with prudence and thanksgiving” (D&C 89:10–11) “to strengthen the body” in certain cases of minor illness. But he has warned us that herbs should be used “with judgment” (D&C 59:17–20), “not in excess” and “neither by extortion,” based upon reputable information (see D&C 59:17–20; D&C 89:10–11)." Clifford J. Stratton, “I Have a Question,” Ensign, Aug. 1979, 24–25
Do herb drinks fall into the classification of “hot drinks” forbidden by the Word of Wisdom or are they “herbs to be used with prudence and thanksgiving?” See, Clifford J. Stratton, “I Have a Question,” Ensign, Aug. 1979, 24–25
Anecdote? A letter from an Area Authority telling us on behalf of the First Presidency that Green Tea is considered to be the “hot drinks” in section 89 that we are to abstain from is simply an anecdote? Then I suppose by your logic that means most of the New Testament is also just anecdotal since it is just letters from church authorities to members like the one quoted above.
I like how you very cleverly tried to use Ensign articles from the seventies to justify your disobedience. I could use every one of your compelling quotes to justify smoking tobacco, since that is herbal; as long as I think it is the proper use of that herb in its season and for my use. And marijuana as well. Oh, and don’t forget the simple herbal coffee bean. Wow, thanks for your valuable insight. I suppose you think iced coffee is permissible too since it is cold? And the same goes for wine, since it’s just a simple grape fruit drink?
Either you are so desperate to justify this that you are misleading yourself or you are simply confused and honestly don’t understand this debate. Either way, you are mistaken. Yes, herbal teas are ok. And Green Tea is not considered “herbal” by church standards, it is considered a “hot drink”. An Area Authority of the church explaining this to us is not an anecdote.
I do thank you for your input however. It is always fun to see ways the adversary tries to lead people astray.
Jared,
Not really sure why you've taken up this cause. Why don't you let people worry about their own salvation?
Lived here four yrs and have yet to hear an official church stance on this. Not really looking for one either. Our church is all about free agency. Point is - it's not up to you to figure this out for us.
Step off the soap box and relax a little.
I think you're doing more harm than good.
Dave Lang
Talisay Branch
If it is made with the tea leaf, we shouldn't be drinking it, plain and simple. "Herbal teas" are not actually made with the tea leaf, thus they are okay. It's pretty basic, people. Science has indeed made great strides since the 1830's, but our collective intelligence is not equal to God's. Regardless, it's a matter of obedience, not health.
As for Dave, go put your head in the sand if you like, but you'll never learn a thing. A blog is for sharing your opinions. Not liking the opinion is not a good reason to censor discussion and debate.
??? You give a bad name to Christ-Like Love, and The Church! I was horrified to read your post and "YOUR" personal opinions! You should focus on bringing souls to Christ not trying to be above them all! There is only One GOD! and as my Grandma always said! "Everyone Takes the OWN hide to the Tanner"! You should worry about your hide!!! and be Kind! You are not! and that makes me very sad!!! I was so offended when you sarcastically comment back to the Man who had served in the Bishopric twice! What a wonderful man to sacrifice his time & talents to build up the Kingdom of God! What are you doing to build up the Kingdom? you are spending your time tearing down the Members!!! Seriously?? ahhhh I cant believe it! I was not going to give you the time it took me to write this, but could not let it go! I pray your heart will be softened and you will love like we are taught each Sunday! I wish you the best and much Happiness! I know that is found in Love & Service and trying everyday to be the best you can!
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Jared;
I really appreciate this blog. I have many times over the past couple years wondered if green tea was allowed. I have constantly run across non-church related articles stating the benefits of green tea, however, in my heart I knew that it was wrong and for this reason I have abstained. Today I decided to do a little research and was glad to find your blog on this subject~I know, however, I am a little after the fact as this blog is from a year ago. I did want to give my appreciation to you though. I have read the comments and want to support you in this purpose. You are doing your effort to clear up any confusion in the church's many unclear subjects~this being one of them. Thanks again.
Jared,
I think as a representative of Christ you need to make sure your language is less demeaning and insulting. I agree with your message but the way you are conveying it is cocky and insulting. When discussing the lords instructions we shouldn't act like Rush Limbaugh in a debate. Remember, everyone reading your forum is most likely trying to do the right thing or they wouldn't be inquiring into whether or not it was okay. You don't need to be a jackass to everyone.
Jared I appreciate the imformation you have shared concerning green tea and Elder Evan's statement sharing the First Presidency's stand on Green Tea. I have delt with herbs most all my life, and still have much to learn! I have always been active in the Church have worked in the Jordan River Temple for many years and held a number of leadership callings. It is always the natural tendency of man to justify that what we are doing is ok, and interestingly enough we can always find something to justify that what we are thinking or doing is ok. There Food Grade Herbs and Medicinal Grade herbs, and there is narcotic type herbs which are closely linked to medicinal. When we prepare the herbs at home often we prepare those herbs in boiling water to infuse them into the water so that they assimulate into our bodies better, more often than not we tend to drink those herbs as hot drinks, I'm sorry but "hot drinks" are "hot drinks" and are not good for the body period, even though an herb may be very good for you. What about hot Chocolate,
or hot apple cider, would they be good for you "no" but we drink them anyway. coke, mountain due, all cola drinks, there is the caffeine in them, that is most definately not good for you, but yet the white sugar in them alone in time can kill us, yet we still drink them. Gree Tea from the "Camellia plant" in its original form can be very beneficial to your health if used correctly, but because for the most part we use it incorrectly the Church has had to make a stand. I am sure that most of us have had a bagel or muffin with poppy seeds on them, if you were to eat a few and then go have a drug test you could possibly fail that drug test, but they can generally determine between opium and poppy seeds. Green tea has tannins in the leaves; Tannin is what is used to tan hides. The Caffeine in Green Tea unlike coffee sets in the background and acts as a booster to the other ingredients, so you do not have ths same boost as with coffee, and with coffee it has no other benefits than caffeine, which is not good for us used singly period. But whats even is worse is the chemical form of caffeine such as what is used in all "cokes" and a large amount of the "soft drinks" that is consumed. Our Bodies do not assimulate chemicals in the same manner that our bodies assimulate that which is natural which was created by our Father-in-Heaven. But even with what God has created we must use wisdom in what we put into our bodies.
To everyone!
You can't make this a "official Statement" when you have no authority to speak in behalf of the LDS Church.
Green Tea could be considered breaking the word of wisdom in TEA FORM. But it dosn't mean your breaking it when it is used in medications to treat illnesses.
Therefore you can't say green tea is bad! You can say "Tea is bad" because that is how it is written in the official leadership handbook. However green tea can be good in forms of pills to treat desases and illnesses, thus you can't say "green tea is bad".
In conclusion:
-Drink hot drinks including tea's are bad!
-"Green Tea" is not necessary bad when in a form of a pill to treat health problems
-You can't single out a particular ingredient. For example drinking wine is against the word of wisdom. BUT eating grapes is not against the word of wisdom.
-You can't claim to be a official statement of the church unless you are a general authority.
I agree with and believe the following points that have been made.
1. A blog is a place for discussion and opinions and in light of the fact that there is no official church statement on if and in what form Green tea is or is not in compliance with the WOW, an open disussion is a great way for each individual to "study it out in their own mind"
2. Kind expression of opinions is far more likely to influence than is condemnational statements (and especially when they are ONLY opinions)
3. The ultimate resource for making important decisions that each member has is the Gift of The Holy Ghost... lets all strive to do own own "study", have an attitude of "not my wil but Thine be done", and Then prayerfully make own decisions based on the personal revelation that we recieve FOR OURSELVES (our revelation should not be percieved as revelation to the Church!)
4. Judge one another with love and tolerance (ie: righteours judgment) and be slow to condem... let the ordained Prophets speak for the church.
I thank all who have given prayerful and heartfelt comments here ... I have learned much and come to my own conviction after reading the opinions above and prayerfully considedring the underlying principles and how they all should be applied to me own life.
Best wishes to all who seek the truth and humble themselves to submit thier own will to the inspired Leaders of the Church and the promptings of the Holy Spirit
It's interesting that you take it upon yourself to proclaim the church's official stance when the first presidency hasn't done so. Why do you think the first presidency is failing in this regard? How will you react if the first presidency says that green tea extracts, decaffeinated green tea, or green tea prescribed by a doctor to treat disease is okay? I've heard a story that would fit into that category already.
Anyone needing "proof" on the subject, I served a mission in Korea, and the discussion manuals put out by the church specifically say that green and black tea are against the Word of Wisdom. If you can find a Korean discussion manual and can read Korean, you'll see it in writing. Good luck with that though. Great blog.
i completely agree with the fact that the church has said that "hot drinks" included tea and coffee. No where does it state that it is because of the caffeine. I have heard its because of the tannic acid. There is no proof... or any needed. The lord has given a statement and we should be prayerful and find out for ourselves what to make of it. Yes, it can be use medicinally, and that is fine. We have the gift of personal revelation and until/if the church makes an official statement, it is up to each member individually to find out for themselves what that statement means for them personaly.
'The Church's health guidelines prohibit... "hot drink" - taught by Church leaders to refer specifically to tea and coffee'
LDS Newsroom 08/29/2012
Which begs the question:
What about iced tea and/or coffee?
I posit that iced tea or coffee is technically allowable under the current WoW guidelines.
Funny thing is Jesus taught about the Pharisees creating and enforcing this kind of rules. Apparently the church has been misnamed and should be: "The Church of Sidelined Christ of the Latter Day Pharisees."
The word of wisdom makes absolutely no sense. Iced green tea with hardly any caffeine keeps you out of the temple but hot chocolate and red bull don't.
Interesting discussion from yesteryear.
So, does God have to honour the words/opinion of a General Authority, or is the GA meant to be speaking the words of God? I assume it is the latter.
When the assigned GA (Elder Evans) was asked the question, did he get a revelation from God or did he ask someone else in the hierarchy? From your article, I assume the latter.
Did the First Presidency get a revelation from God on the matter of Green Tea or did they restate their understanding of long-taught instructions? Well, from the letter, "long been determined" implies that the current FP relied on the stance of previous FP, and then back and back we go.
So where do we get to the point where God spoke on the matter to His authorised servants? Hyrum Smith usually pops up, who, of course wasn't the President of the church. He wrote a newspaper article giving his opinion on a number of issues and was claiming common sense rather than revelation. Or maybe Brigham Young? But then, if we take Brigham at his word, we would have a very different looking church today, so it is hard to put absolute faith in all of his opinions and pronouncements.
What about Joseph Smith, who received the revelation? Well, in the revelation itself, it specifically states, firstly, that it isn't a commandment, and, secondly, that the phrase is "hot drinks". No further published revelation has been received on the matter.
So ... I guess enjoy your drinks according to your own interpretation of that revelation.
Roy
Jesus doesn't want you to drink green tea.
The pioneers who settled Utah drank mormon tea. What's the difference? Plants have medicinal uses and have been provided for our benefit. Until there is an official document clarifying this subject nobody has the right to try and preach to the masses. If it is the plant itself that is breaking the wow then the first presidency could very easily state that. They won't though because I believe this subject will ultimately fall under the same category as coca cola. The science behind the benefits of green tea are overwhelmingly positive. The subject that the church should address is the wide spread epidemic of soda and energy drinks that has swept the U.S. Certainly church leaders will not advise drinking one of these over green tea. Part of the wow is that we should eat meat and poultry sparingly and only in times of famine. How much of that have you had recently? It would be a shame if church officials spoke with every overweight member and told them they must make a lifestyle change because they are breaking the wow. Dr pepper addict members and Fast food junkies should be the real topic, not a medicinal plant that's been used for centuries.
Are you all CRAZY? Oxidizing tea leaves is not fermenting (even though some people affectionately call it that). It has nothing to do with alcohol or anything similar. Oxidizing tea is the same chemical process that an apple goes through when you cut it open and it starts to turn black. All plants do it. The tea leaf is rolled (since it can’t be cut like an apple) and once the juice hits oxygen in the air it starts to oxidize. The longer it sits the darker the leaf gets. A short time is called “white” tea, a little more is “green” tea, a little more is “black” tea. Its that simple. No need to invent imaginary scenarios where black tea could be unhealthful while the same leaf just left out a less time is healthy. Don’t bother trying to justify it. If you want to drink Green tea go ahead, just don’t fool yourself that it is different from Black tea.
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