The Green Tea Secret

The chemical compound known as phenol is characterised by an aromatic benzene ring to which a hydroxyl (OH) group is attached. It makes sense that polyphenols refer to a chemical with more than one phenolic group. Phenols act as powerful antioxidants and react with free radicals. Phenols are responsible for the bright colour of many types of fruits and vegetables. These fruit and plant phenols protect plants from damage caused by diseases and UV light. 

Polyphenols are secondary plant substances or secondary plant substances. Phytonutrients are biologically active compounds in food. However, these phytonutrients are not classified as important nutrients. This is because the body does not depend on these nutrients for proper bodily function. Phytonutrients play as important a  role in influencing our health as vitamins and minerals. 

Polyphenols are classified as flavonoids, which are a class of phytonutrients. Polyphenols can be complex with metal cations such as iron, zinc, and copper. This will reduce the absorption of the mineral. This is advantageous because an excess of these cations promotes the formation of free radicals. Polyphenols are powerful free radical scavengers in the body. Polyphenols also protect and regenerate other food oxidants such as vitamin E. 

Polyphenols are abundant in green tea. Polyphenols are a stronger antioxidant than even vitamins C and E. In particular, EGCG or epigallocatechin gallate is the main polyphenolic component of green tea. EGCG is a powerful antioxidant. Several chronic diseases are believed to be caused by free radical damage, such as cancer, ageing, and heart disease. 

Antioxidants guard the body against free radical damage. What are the free radicals? Free radicals are caused by smoking, radiation, pollution, and herbicides. Free radicals are particles with unpaired electrons in the external shell. Unpaired electrons make free radicals unstable. Free radicals just want to be stable. Free radical stability requires electrons to be paired. Free radicals are extremely reactive and oxidise the next molecule. 

Oxidation causes the free radical to accept an electron but also to generate another free radical. This creates a chain reaction that lasts until a living cell is destroyed. Free radicals can attack proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and DNA. However, DNA is usually preferred. Interactions between DNA and free radicals generally lead to mutations that affect the cell cycle and potentially lead to malignancy. Researchers believe that many cancers develop. 

 Antioxidants protect the body from harmful oxidation reactions. Antioxidants safely interact with free radicals to prevent damage to vital molecules. Antioxidants donate an electron to the free radical, stabilising the free radical and preventing damage. The antioxidant is stable with or without an electron, making this a win-win situation. Polyphenols are found in white, black, and green teas. Of course, the amount of polyphenols, along with other nutrients, depends on how the tea is processed. Steamed white and green teas retain more polyphenols and nutrients than those that are roasted and fermented. Black teas and some green teas are fermented and roasted, damaging the bioactive ingredients in the tea leaf. 

 Why should I drink green tea? Many studies have been done on the health benefits of green tea. Green tea intake has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer and heart disease. Regular consumption of green tea has no significant side effects. Green tea prevents cavities, strengthens teeth, and is said to kill oral bacteria that are responsible for bad breath. Green tea has been shown to protect the brain from oxidative stress and decrease monoamine oxidase activity; Prevention of age-related brain degeneration. Studies of green tea suggest an increase in exercise endurance by improving fat metabolism. 

Green tea offers many health benefits for those who drink green tea regularly. In addition to providing antioxidant benefits, green tea is also excellent as a weight-loss dietary supplement that offers safe and effective weight loss results. Of course, green tea should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program. If you are taking medication for any health problem, consult your doctor before adding green tea to your diet.