Antioxidants in green tea: health benefits

Tea originated in China. It is the second most widely consumed beverage in the world after water. The infusion of Camellia Sinensis leaves has numerous health benefits. Not least thanks to its antioxidant content, such as polyphenols. Among the various teas, green tea leaves and matcha powder contain the most. Numerous studies have examined the effects of antioxidants in green tea. Here's what they reveal.

Green tea: a beverage with many virtues

To understand the health benefits of green tea, we need to look at its production and composition.

How are green tea leaves obtained?

All teas come from the Camellia Sinensis plant. To produce green tea, the leaves are heated after harvesting. This stops their oxidation and preserves their antioxidant content. In China, the leaves are roasted in metal containers. In Japan, they are steamed, like Sencha tea leaves.

What antioxidants does green tea contain?

Once dried, Camellia Sinensis leaves contain a third of antioxidants. The main ones are polyphenols. They are found particularly in plant-based foods. Catechins are a sub-category of polyphenols. The most common catechin is epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG. Green tea contains more than black, white or oolong tea.

Vitamins, caffeine and other health-giving components

In addition to antioxidants, green tea contains other elements:

• 3 to 4% amino acids, including L-theanine;
• 2-4% caffeine, less than in black tea;
• vitamins, including vitamin C.

The effects of tea antioxidants on the body

Green tea's antioxidant molecules offer numerous health benefits. Let's take a closer look.

A green tea infusion against cell oxidation

With free radicals attacking cells, the body undergoes permanent oxidative stress. To combat this, the body uses antioxidants such as polyphenols and vitamin C. These are found in a variety of foods, which is why quality nutrition is so important. Regular consumption of green tea provides an additional supply of catechins.

Green tea consumption for weight loss?

Teas are renowned for weight loss. But do the antioxidants in green tea really help you slim down? Yes and no. In fact, green tea's caffeine and EGCG content stimulates thermogenesis and promotes fat burning. However, studies show that, without proper nutrition, green tea alone has little effect on weight loss. To benefit from the slimming virtues of tea's constituents, you first need to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

The effect of antioxidant tea on disease

The antioxidant effects of green tea are believed to limit the onset or aggravation of certain pathologies.

Tea's properties on cardiovascular disease

Numerous scientific studies have focused on the antioxidant properties of teas for cardiovascular health. Green and black tea infusions are sources of antioxidant molecules. These compounds are believed to lower cholesterol levels. EGCGs, green tea's powerful antioxidants, are also thought to have an impact on hypertension.

Studies on green tea and cancer

Several studies have attempted to show that drinking green tea prevents the onset of cancer. So far, the results are contradictory. Indeed, while one study shows that green tea's antioxidant activity could prevent cancer, another proves that the beverage possesses no virtues whatsoever when it comes to the development of the disease. We must therefore remain cautious about this claim.

Effects of polyphenols on brain health

Green tea's catechins act on the body by combating oxidation of cells, including nerve cells. They therefore help maintain the balance of brain and nerve health. Thanks to the antioxidant effect and caffeine, green tea improves concentration and learning capacity. These components also help preserve memory capacity.

Other benefits of green tea antioxidants

Green tea's antioxidants, along with other components, offer additional health benefits.

• Catechins fight plaque and fluoride strengthens tooth enamel.
• A recent study examines the benefits of green tea antioxidants on eye health.
• L-theanine helps reduce stress.
• Tea consumption contributes to daily water intake, essential for good health.

Quality green tea for antioxidant infusions

Choose quality green tea to avoid pesticides, lead and other pollutants ending up in the infusion. Choose loose tea rather than tea bags. Whole leaves retain their antioxidant power better. And don't forget to brew your green tea as recommended. Pay attention to the recommended quantity, water temperature and infusion time. With their many health benefits, the antioxidants in green tea have not ceased to amaze us. Enjoy the benefits of green tea by ordering Sencha from China or matcha from Japan on our website. You'll also find Indian black tea, white tea, oolong tea and even coffee.