DO YOU KNOW ABOUT

THE ANTIOXIDANTS IN
YOUR TEAS?
A health conscious drinker knows that there are
certain powerful compounds in teas called
“antioxidants”. Due to the presence of these
antioxidants, teas can treat a number of diseases.
Now, the question is – “what are these antioxidants
and how they are become so powerful?”

Lets us find out the answers to these questions…

Antioxidants – What Are They?

Free radicals are produced in human body when

certain molecules break down at the time of
metabolism. These radicals are unstable molecules
which have missing electrons. To fill up their need,
these molecules steal electrons from other
neighboring molecule. As a result of this, important
molecules in human body like DNA, proteins, lipids
and others suffer cellular damage. Antioxidants are
the compounds which react with such free radicals
and offer them their missing electron. Thus, they
prevent the growth of free radicals in human body.

Tea and foods that we drink and eat provides

antioxidants and they generously provide electrons
to free radicals. Common antioxidants are –
 Vitamin C
 Vitamin E
 Beta-carotene
 Manganese
 Polyphenols
 Vitamin A
 Other carotenoids

Antioxidants in Teas

Teas are rich in antioxidants. White, black, oolong

and green blends are rich in catechins. White and
green blends have higher concentration of this
antioxidant than oolong and black blends since
oolong and black teas undergo fermenting process.
However, it is said that black and green blends have
similar level of antioxidants and ORAC or oxygen
radical absorbance capacity.

Oolong, black and green blends are produced from

the same variety of plant called Camellia sinensis
and therefore, they contain another good antioxidant
– polyphenols. If you want to consume greater
amount of polyphenols in the diet, start consuming
tea because this beverage has 8 to 10 times more
polyphenols than vegetables and fruits.
We, everyday, discuss the health benefits of teas.
Have a look at some of the potential benefits of this
beverage because of the presence of antioxidants in
it.

 Helps in lowering cholesterol

 Fights degenerative diseases related to aging
problem
 Lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
 Fights against cancer
 Prevents cardiovascular disease
 Lowers the propensity of liver disease

Therefore, antioxidants prevent and heal several

diseases pertaining to hair, skin, heart and brain.
Antioxidants fight and remove free radicals and
damaged cells thereby cleansing and detoxifying the
body. So, now include herbal and green tea in your
diet along with fruits and vegetables.