The Goodness of Antioxidants
All teas, green, black, oolong or white are made from the leaves of the plant Camellia Sinensis. After the fresh leaves are harvested, the length of time they are exposed to air determines the distinctive taste and colour of the resulting tea.
All teas from Camellia Sinensis leaves contain natural flavonoid antioxidants. Each cup of tea contains about 140 – 300 mg of flavonoids per 235 ml cup. The type of amount of the specific types of flavonoid antioxidant differs, depending on how the leaves were oxidized (left exposed to air). Green tea is partially oxidized and contains more of the flavonoid antioxidant called catechins, while black tea, which is more oxidized contain more of the flavonoid called therubigens.
Both hot tea and iced tea made with real tea extracts contain flavonoids antioxidants. Regardless of the type of tea you choose to enjoy, researchers have determined that regular consumption of tea helps with the maintenance of good health.
Flavonoid antioxidants are found in many fruit and vegetables, but are particularly high in tea. Fruit and vegetables are a very important part of a healthy diet, providing many nutrients essential to good health. Tea is a great daily addition to a healthy diet containing a variety of fruit and vegetables.
Note: Herbal teas are actually not true teas since they are not from the Camellia Sinensis plant and therefore do not have the same properties of “real tea”.
