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.