Contrary to the concerns of health associated with Coffee, it has been scientifically established that tea offers several health benefits to the consumer. Most of the health benefits of the tea are associated with the antioxidant properties of polyphenols called "flavanoids". While much of the research on flavanoids has been done with Green Tea, Black tea too contains about the same amount of flavanoids as Green Tea. The major difference between Green Tea and Black tea is the fact that Green Tea has more simple flavanoids called cathechins as compared to Black Tea, which contains more complex flavanoids called theaflavins and thearubigins.
The harmful effects of free radicals are quite well known. Free radicals, or unstable molecules of nitric oxide and oxygen are produced during the normal operation of cellular processes. These free radicals, unless removed, can cause immense damage to the DNA and other units of the cell. Under normal circumstances, the body is equipped to eliminate the free radicals by itself mainly through the presence of an enzyme called Super Oxide Dismutase. However, when exposed to harmful conditions such as exessive UV exposure, exposure to smoke, or pollution, the number of free radicals produced increases dramatically, which can be harmful to the body.
Antioxidants, such as the flavanoids found in the tea, are known to scavenge the free radicals, metabolize lipid peroxides, and precipitate metal ions, there by preventing further damage to the critical cellular processes. Fruits and vegetables are a natural source of many antioxidants but tea is not too far behind. In a UK study it was found that 3 cups of tea contains the same amount of antioxidants as six apples! While studies are still underway, there is plenty of invitro and animal studies evidence of the properties of flavanoids.
In the labs, flavanoids have been shown to inhibit oxidation of LDL, prevention of platelet aggregation, improvement in blood vessel function, and have demonstrated antiinflammatory action. Evidence is accumulating on the properties of flavanoids in tea that may well protect against cancers, cardiovascular disease, skin disease & UV induced DNA damage
In summary, Tea is a very potent source of antioxidative flavanoids such as Cathecins, Theaflavin, and Thearubin. Flavanoids have been demonstrated to have various health associated properties, in lab experiments and in some human experiments. Both Green and Black teas contain about the same amounts of these poly phenols, so you can get the same health benefits from either type of tea. If you would like a more detailed analysis of the data published so far in the literature, write to us and we would be happy to mail you a white paper on the health aspects of tea.
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