Vicony Tea Directory

Green Tea Ingredients

When discussing the ingredients of green tea, keep in mind that this is more a reference to the nutritional value. Of course, you can purchase green tea in various flavors, which would change the actual ingredients in green tea. For instance, you might find green tea blended with mint in which case the additional ingredient would be mint or perhaps green tea blended with jasmine tea, again the additional ingredient being jasmine. Therefore, we are referring to ingredients in green tea as the nutrients.

The most vital of all ingredients in green tea is the antioxidant known as polyphenol, specifically Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, more commonly called EGCG. Then, one bag of green tea contain between 80 and 100 mgs of the polyphenols with EGCG accounting for about 25 to 30 mgs of that. Another ingredient in green tea is 0.06mg of caffeine. Other ingredients in green tea include theanine, which is a type of amino acid, catechin, chlorophyll, butyric acid, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, E, F, P, and U, and certain minerals such as, saponin, saccharides, and pectin.

Each of these green tea ingredients works together to provide a wonderful product that is delicious, as well as healthy. Keep in mind that the way in which the product is made will determine the level of beneficial ingredients in green tea. For example, the Chinese people have long pan fired or steamed the leaves, retaining the highest level of nutrients. The Japanese will also steam, as well as boil and dry to create powder.

Here is a list showing the definitions and benefits of the main ingredients of green tea:

• POLYPHENOLS are naturally occurring compounds that act as powerful antioxidants. They are the most abundant group of plant phenolic compounds, known to provide much of the flavor, color and taste of fruits, vegetables, seeds, and other parts of the plants. As dietary source of biologically active compounds they prove to be valuable for health. Some of their benefits include reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other degenerative disease. These effects of polyphenols come as a result of their antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties.
• CATECHINS are a class of polyphenol present in high concentration in green tea. Catechins are what make green tea special. They make up the bulk of green tea's antioxidants, and therefore its healing potential. Catechins prevent oxidation, they are anticarcinogenic, lower cholesterol level and the level of LDL in bloodstream, retard blod pressure increase, retard coagulation of red blood cells, prevent allergies, act as an antibiotic, improve viral digestion in the intestines and eliminate body odor.
• FLAVONOLS are another group of polyphenols known for their strong antioxidant properties. They help trap and destroy free radicals and peroxides, keeping them from destroying body tissue. They also work together with vitamin C to help strengthen blood vessel walls.
• GLYCOSIDES are complex sugars which prevent increase in blood sugar.
• CAROTENE is an organic compound found as well in orange and yellow fruits and vegetables. Carotene is used by the body to make vitamin A. It prevents oxidation, increases immunity and is anitcarginogenic.
• FLOURIDE is a mineral which helps to harden tooth enamel, preventing cavities.

Green tea also has some other ingredients you are probably more familiar with:

• CAFFEINE , which excites the central nervous system, prevents asthma, increases metabolic rate and is also a diuretic. The amount of caffeine varies depending on its type and preparation, but anyways, green tea definitely contains less caffeine than black tea and much less than coffee.
• >VITAMIN C, which helps to reduce stress, fight infection and strengthen the immune system.
• VITAMIN E is anticarcinogenic, prevents oxidation and infertility.
• VITAMIN B complex which aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates.
• ZINC prevents skin inflammation and maintains the level of immunity.
• SELENIUM prevents oxidation and deterioration of the heart muscle.
• MAGNESIA prevents oxidation, increases immunity and assists in digestion of ethyl

See Also:

• What are the disadvantages of green tea?
• Does green tea necessarily help to prevent cancer?
• How to brew yellow tea
• How to brew gongfu oolong tea
• How to brew chinese premium loose leaf tea
• How to brew Bi Luo Chun- Introduction of Top-putting Brewing Method
• How to brew Longjing Tea- Introduction of Middle-putting Brewing Method