Health Benefits of Tea

Tea, the second most consumed beverage in the world after water, is not only popular but also a healthy drink. It has less caffeine than coffee and, in addition to its low caffeine content, contains a significant amount of antioxidants.

What are free radicals?

To understand what antioxidants are and what they do, it's necessary to know what free radicals are. Free radicals are molecules that typically contain an oxygen atom that has lost an electron. This makes them unstable (reactive). They begin to aggressively target the electrons of neighboring molecules. By stealing electrons, they can become terrorists operating within the body. They can attack DNA, leading to dysfunction, mutations, and cancer. They can disrupt normal cellular activity by attacking enzymes and proteins. This type of damage to the membranes of cells lining our blood vessels can lead to hardening and thickening of the arteries, and ultimately to heart attacks and strokes. Free radicals attacking collagen protein cause cross-links to form between protein molecules, leading to stiffness in tissues.

How do antioxidants fight free radicals?

Antioxidants essentially prevent oxidation. Oxidation in our bodies primarily refers to the deterioration of cell membranes, fats, proteins, and DNA structures. Therefore, antioxidants eliminate the conditions that lead to the formation of free radicals.

Our metabolism struggles against free radicals produced by the fast pace of city life and dietary habits, but if we support it with antioxidant-rich foods and drinks when it needs help, our chances of winning the fight against free radicals increase.

Antioxidants in Tea

Tea, in all its varieties, comes from the same plant. It is obtained from Camellia Sinensis . Variations in tea color, taste, etc., are achieved through production processes. Black tea is a fermented tea, while green tea is not. Oolong tea is semi-fermented. The antioxidant substances found in Camellia Sinensis, or the tea plant, are flavonoids.

Cateshins and Theaflavins

Catechins are a type of flavonoid found in tea. Green tea contains six types of catechins: catechin, gallocatechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechingallate, and perhaps most importantly, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg or EGCG).

During fermentation in the production of black tea and Oolong tea, catechins are converted into theaflavins. Theaflavins also possess antioxidant properties.

In summary

Tea is one of the most democratic, mystical, and beneficial beverages in the world. It's good for both your health and your soul. Just make sure you brew good tea well and drink it with good people.

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With affection,
Lazika