STAYING HEAL-TEA – ANTIOXIDANTS IN TEA

Antioxidants are chemicals that help fight harmful oxidation, by reacting with the chemicals produced by our body. They help in fighting diseases and keep us healthy, which is why it is important to consume more foods that are high in antioxidants. It’s also equally important to include plenty of liquids in our diets to keep our bodily functions working properly. Tea, therefore, is a great option to include in your diet because it is one of the few drinks that is extremely high in antioxidants and is healthy as well! The more tea you drink, the better it is for your health and well-being.

INCREASING ANTIOXIDANTS IN OUR BODIES

Drinking tea provides your body with a good amount of antioxidants that help you remain healthy and active. Providing your body with enough antioxidants reduces the potential for free radical damage, which causes your skin and hair to start aging. This is a major reason why scientists and nutritionists encourage us to eat several servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Vitamin supplements are another common way to incorporate these substances into your diet. Drinking tea every day is an enjoyable way to increase the antioxidants in our bodies.

WHICH TEA IS RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS?

All teas are rich in antioxidants, which is one of the reasons it is a healthier option as compared to coffee, energy drinks and sodas. We will now deep dive into the different types of teas and the antioxidants they contain, so that you can get a better idea of why Indian tea (especially Munnar tea!) is good for you.

Green Tea

Due to the fact that the leaves are not oxidized and it has less caffeine, green tea is extremely rich in antioxidants, especially EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate), which reduces the risk of liver damage. It is one of the healthiest teas to drink.

Black Tea

Due to oxidation, the catechins (natural antioxidant substances) of black tea leaves turn into stronger flavoured tannins (which provide the flavour of tea). However, these tannins still hold the anti-oxidising properties of catechins. Additionally, tannins remove harmful substances like fungi, virus and bacteria from the body while helping in the prevention and cure of many diseases such as cancer, liver disease and much more.

WHICH ANTIOXIDANTS ARE FOUND IN BLACK TEA?

There are two main types of antioxidants found in black tea – polyphenols and flavanoids. These terms may be confusing to you as a tea novice, but we are here to explain them in a simple manner.

• Polyphenols : This is a type of antioxidant commonly found in black tea. Groups of these substances are the main source of antioxidants in black tea, giving tea its healthy properties. Certain types of polyphenols have been scientifically shown to reduce obesity and cholesterol.

• Flavonoids : These antioxidants in black tea can reduce high blood pressure, cholesterol, and obesity, when consumed regularly. Adding a cup of black tea to your daily diet can potentially reduce your risk of future heart complications.

This was only a brief overview of how the antioxidants in tea can help you. In fact, if you are looking for more reasons to drink tea, you can drink Munnar Tea which has a premium flavour and is packed with rich antioxidants in green, black, and white tea varieties.