Green Tea Catechins and Flavanoids Explained

Polyphenols are the single largest group of tea constituents found in tea. This group contains a large variety of compounds, of which the most beneficial are the flavonoids.

They modify our body's reaction to allergens, viruses and carcinogens. They are anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-cancer. Most importantly, they are antioxidants.

The so-called superfood - berries, broccoli, onions and pomegranates - all contain flavonoids. And so do red wine and dark chocolate.

Health experts love flavonoids so much that the many beneficial effects of these food have been attributed to them, rather than to other known nutrients.

Tea is so healthy to drink because it ranks  as containing one of the highest total flavonoid content among all plants.

Green tea contains catechins (also known as flavan-3-ols), a simple form of flavonoid. There are four main kinds of catechins:

• Epicatechin

• Epicatechin-3-gallate

• Epigallocatechin

• Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (also known as EGCG)

EGCG, found in the highest concentration in green tea, is the most active and well researched of all green tea catechins.

It has been found to be over 100 times more effective in neutralizing free radicals than vitamin C, and 25 times more powerful than vitamin E.

There are many different teas, but green tea contains the most polyphenols - about 30% to 40%. Black tea contains only 3% to 10%.

Perhaps this is the reason why green tea is associated with more health benefits compared to black tea?

Read the article below to find out which food the most catechins!

Catechin Rich Foods and Beverages According to USDA

Back to Top of Green Tea Catechins

Back to EGCG and Catechins FAQ Guide Main Page

Back to Amazing Green Tea Home

• Home
• EGCG
• Here