Green Tea Health Benefits, What Is Responsible For Them?
Green tea health benefits are the most common thing about this tea. Did you know that a cup of green tea has more antioxidants than a serving of broccoli? Talk about a healthy drink!
Let's see in detail what is in a cup of green...
Catechins are powerful antioxidants that are found in abundance in green and white tea. Catechins are a category of polyphenols, with four main substances found in tea which include, epicatechin (EC), epicatechin gallate (ECg), epigallocatechin (EGC), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg).
EGCg is the most abundant catechin in tea with evidence of fighting and preventing certain tumors.
Polyphenols are also found in high numbers in green tea and is linked with aiding heart disease prevention. Polyphenols are a class of pytochemicals and is the substance that gives green tea its sometimes grassy taste.
Green tea health benefits does not stop with those above two! We also have Tannins that are present in green tea. Tannins consist of complex phenol, polyphenols, and flavonoid compounds. If tea is steeped too long, a large number of tannins will be released giving the brew a tarty and bitter taste. Tannins, if consumed in great amounts can inhibit the absorption of minerals such as iron. Therefore some species of Camellia sinensis are bred with less tannins present.
Do not let this worry you, please have as much tea in a day as your doctor recommends. Remember, tannins are only released in great numbers if you over steep, which is something you want to avoid simply because it destroys the taste. This is far from being a health hazard.
Flavoniods are also found in this tea, further contributing green tea health benefits. Flavonoids, which are plant pigments, have antibacterial properties and can help protect against infection.
Theanine is an amino acid present in green tea that helps relax you. Theanine has tranquilizing effects on the brain and is found in high numbers in Sencha green tea, a famous Japanese variety.
Well, that is what contributes to green tea health benefits. If you are wondering why I left out the term "antioxidants", I really haven't. I just broke down what makes up those common antioxidants.
