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Green tea has been getting some recent acclaim for its antioxidants
and health benefits. The polyphenols found in green tea are
remarkably rich sources of healthy antioxidants. The antioxidants are
readily made available during the tea brewing process making them
easily absorbed into the blood stream. It is believed that as few as
three cups of green tea per day can provide some protection from free
radical damage and possibly cancer. Antioxidants are chemical
compounds which prevent the oxidation of healthy cells. Antioxidants
can be found in vitamins, minerals, or other phytocheminals. Each
offering protection against the damaging effects of free radicals. The
normal process of oxidation produces highly reactive free radicals.
These free radicals readily react and damage other molecules and cell
DNA. Antioxidants "mop up" these free radicals and eliminate them
before they can damage healthy tissue. Damage to cell components
can lead to tumor formation. As antioxidants inhibit free radical
damage, they also may block tumor formation. Furthermore, oxidative
damage by free radicals on low density lipoproteins (LDL) is believed
to be a precursor in the development of atherosclerosis and coronary
heart disease. Oxidation to cell membranes and other cell components
is also theorized to be part of the aging process. This oxidative cell
damage may contribute to aging related diseases in later life.
Antioxidants are mostly absorbed from the foods that we eat. Retinol,
beta carotene(vitamin A), Ascorbic acid(vitamin C), Tocopherol(vitamin
E), and Selenium are the most common sources. Food sources
include fruits and green leafy vegetables.
and health benefits. The polyphenols found in green tea are
remarkably rich sources of healthy antioxidants. The antioxidants are
readily made available during the tea brewing process making them
easily absorbed into the blood stream. It is believed that as few as
three cups of green tea per day can provide some protection from free
radical damage and possibly cancer. Antioxidants are chemical
compounds which prevent the oxidation of healthy cells. Antioxidants
can be found in vitamins, minerals, or other phytocheminals. Each
offering protection against the damaging effects of free radicals. The
normal process of oxidation produces highly reactive free radicals.
These free radicals readily react and damage other molecules and cell
DNA. Antioxidants "mop up" these free radicals and eliminate them
before they can damage healthy tissue. Damage to cell components
can lead to tumor formation. As antioxidants inhibit free radical
damage, they also may block tumor formation. Furthermore, oxidative
damage by free radicals on low density lipoproteins (LDL) is believed
to be a precursor in the development of atherosclerosis and coronary
heart disease. Oxidation to cell membranes and other cell components
is also theorized to be part of the aging process. This oxidative cell
damage may contribute to aging related diseases in later life.
Antioxidants are mostly absorbed from the foods that we eat. Retinol,
beta carotene(vitamin A), Ascorbic acid(vitamin C), Tocopherol(vitamin
E), and Selenium are the most common sources. Food sources
include fruits and green leafy vegetables.
What are antioxidants?
The human body constantly produces unstable molecules called oxidants, also commonly referred to as free
radicals. To become stable, oxidants steal electrons from other molecules and, in the process, damage cell proteins
and genetic material. This damage may leave the cell vulnerable to cancer. Antioxidants are substances that allow
the human body to scavenge and seize oxidants. Like other antioxidants, the catechins found in tea selectively inhibit
specific enzyme activities that lead to cancer. They may also target and repair DNA aberrations caused by oxidants
What is the level of antioxidants found in tea?
All varieties of tea come from the leaves of a single evergreen plant, Camellia sinensis. All tea leaves are picked,
rolled, dried, and heated. With the additional process of allowing the leaves to ferment and oxidize, black tea is
produced. Possibly because it is less processed, green tea contains higher levels of antioxidants than black tea.
Although tea is consumed in a variety of ways and varies in its chemical makeup, one study showed steeping either
green or black tea for about five minutes released over 80 percent of its catechins. Instant iced tea, on the other
hand, contains negligible amounts of catechins.
National Cancer Institute
The human body constantly produces unstable molecules called oxidants, also commonly referred to as free
radicals. To become stable, oxidants steal electrons from other molecules and, in the process, damage cell proteins
and genetic material. This damage may leave the cell vulnerable to cancer. Antioxidants are substances that allow
the human body to scavenge and seize oxidants. Like other antioxidants, the catechins found in tea selectively inhibit
specific enzyme activities that lead to cancer. They may also target and repair DNA aberrations caused by oxidants
What is the level of antioxidants found in tea?
All varieties of tea come from the leaves of a single evergreen plant, Camellia sinensis. All tea leaves are picked,
rolled, dried, and heated. With the additional process of allowing the leaves to ferment and oxidize, black tea is
produced. Possibly because it is less processed, green tea contains higher levels of antioxidants than black tea.
Although tea is consumed in a variety of ways and varies in its chemical makeup, one study showed steeping either
green or black tea for about five minutes released over 80 percent of its catechins. Instant iced tea, on the other
hand, contains negligible amounts of catechins.
National Cancer Institute
Green tea has been the preferred beverage for centuries in many Asian
and European countries. Tea has many therapeutic uses as well as
being a form of ritual and ceremony. The calming tranquility attained from
relaxing, and enjoying a warm cup of green tea can be the most beneficial
form of therapy yet. It has been said that laughter is the best medicine, so
enjoy a cup of tea with a friend and reap the health benefits of green tea.
and European countries. Tea has many therapeutic uses as well as
being a form of ritual and ceremony. The calming tranquility attained from
relaxing, and enjoying a warm cup of green tea can be the most beneficial
form of therapy yet. It has been said that laughter is the best medicine, so
enjoy a cup of tea with a friend and reap the health benefits of green tea.
Beautiful
| A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials. Chinese Proverb |
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Green Tea Health Benefits
Tea & Antioxidants