Green Tea Antioxidants: Health Benefits

Tea originated in China and is the second most consumed beverage in the world after water. The infusion of Camellia Sinensis leaves offers numerous health benefits, notably thanks to its antioxidant content, such as polyphenols. Among the different teas, green tea leaves and matcha powder contain the highest levels. Many studies have explored the effects of green tea antioxidants. Here is what they reveal.

Green tea: a beverage with many virtues

To understand the health benefits of green tea, it helps to look at how it is produced and what it contains.

How are green tea leaves obtained?

All teas come from the Camellia Sinensis plant, yet they are not made in the same way. To produce green tea, the leaves are heated shortly after harvest. This halts oxidation and preserves their antioxidant content. In China, the leaves are pan-fired in metal vessels. In Japan, they pass through a steam bath, like the Sencha tea leaves.

What are the antioxidants in green tea?

Once dried, the leaves of Camellia Sinensis contain about one third antioxidants. The main ones are polyphenols, which are also found in plant-based foods. Catechins form a sub-category of polyphenols. The most abundant catechin is epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG. Green tea contains more of it than black tea, white tea or Oolong.

Vitamins, caffeine and other beneficial components

Beyond antioxidants, green tea contains other valuable elements:

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

The effects of tea antioxidants on the body

The antioxidant molecules in green tea offer many health benefits. Let us look more closely.

A green tea infusion to fight cellular oxidation

With free radicals constantly attacking cells, the body endures permanent oxidative stress. To counter this, it draws on antioxidants such as polyphenols or vitamin C. They are found in various foods, which is why the quality of nutrition matters so much. Regularly drinking green tea provides an extra supply of catechins.

Drinking green tea for weight loss?

Teas are often praised for weight loss. But do green tea antioxidants really help slim down? Yes and no. The caffeine and EGCG content of green tea stimulates thermogenesis and supports fat burning. That said, studies show that without an appropriate diet, green tea on its own has limited effect on weight loss. To truly benefit from the slimming virtues of tea, a healthy lifestyle must come first.

How an antioxidant tea may influence certain conditions

The effects of green tea antioxidants are thought to limit the onset or worsening of certain conditions.

The properties of tea for cardiovascular health

A great deal of scientific research has focused on the antioxidant properties of teas in relation to cardiovascular health. Green and black tea infusions are rich in antioxidant molecules, and these components are thought to lower cholesterol levels. The EGCG, the powerful antioxidants in green tea, may also influence high blood pressure.

Studies on green tea and cancer

Several studies have tried to show that drinking green tea could help prevent cancer. For now, the results remain contradictory. While one study suggests that the antioxidant activity of green tea could play a preventive role, another finds that the beverage offers no real protection against the development of the disease. This claim should therefore be approached with caution.

Effects of polyphenols on brain health

The catechins in green tea act on the body by fighting cellular oxidation, including in nerve cells. They thus help maintain the balance of brain and nervous system health. Thanks to its antioxidant effect combined with caffeine, green tea supports concentration and learning ability. These components also help preserve memory.

Other virtues of green tea antioxidants

Green tea antioxidants, along with other components, bring further health benefits.

• Catechins help fight dental plaque, and fluoride strengthens tooth enamel.
• A recent study explores the virtues of green tea antioxidants for eye health.
• L-theanine helps reduce stress.
• Drinking tea contributes to daily water intake, which is essential for health.

Quality green tea for truly antioxidant infusions

Choose quality green tea to avoid pesticides, lead or other pollutants ending up in your cup. Favour loose leaf tea over tea bags: whole leaves better preserve their antioxidant power. Brew your green tea by following the recommendations, paying attention to the suggested quantity, water temperature and steeping time. With their many effects on health, the antioxidants in green tea have not finished surprising us. Enjoy the benefits of green tea by ordering a Sencha from China or a matcha from Japan on our website. You will also find black tea from India, white tea, Oolong and even coffee.