Quality Assessment of Five Common Types of Green Tea in Benghazi Markets

Abstract

Green Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide, with green tea gaining popularity due to potential health benefits. Consuming too much green tea daily could have adverse effects. Following the consumption of a high dose of green tea extract, several complications and negative effects can be observed, the consumption patterns and habits of the consumer in the tea market are influenced by a variety of factors, including psychological factors behavioural factors descriptive factors marketing. Cross-sectional study was conducted among 500 participants selected randomly from different areas in Benghazi, Libya. A validated questionnaire assessed demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practices about green tea. Five commonly consumed green tea brands were selected from local markets and brewed for different durations (Soaking, 10, 20, 30, 60) min at constant temperature 100. Samples were analysed for physicochemical parameters and compared with Libyan standard specification for green tea. The relationship Between Socio-Demographic Factors and the Knowledge, Attitude, Practice About Green Tea, was modelled using, statistics package social sciences (SPSS). There was significant relationship between the number of times drink green tea and income (p=0.021). Also, association between believing green tea is good for children and education level (p=0.000). Standard requirements and explanatory data of the sample were close from the standard specification for tea. The studied samples achieved a good level of quality in all measured physical and chemical properties comparing to the Libyan standard specification for tea. When analysing the samples, it noticed that the caffeine values in all samples increased with brewing duration. While the value of tannin in green tea reached the highest concentration value at 20 minutes, except for sample E, at 30 minutes. Most participants were aware of the health benefits of green tea but lacked knowledge of potential side effects. There is a high level from children don't drink green tea. Tea sample quality varied from brand according to parameters like moisture, ash, and fibre content. Caffeine content increased with longer brewing time, tannin start to decrease when brewed for more than 20 minutes.