Green tea is a popular source of polyphenols. Polyphenols are potent antioxidant compounds that have demonstrated greater antioxidant protection than vitamin C. The major polyphenols in green tea are flavonoids (catechin, epicatechin gallate (EGCG) and proanthocyanidins).To achieve some degree of protection, nutrition and health experts recommend you drink two to three cups a day. However, over-consumption may produce nervousness, anxiety, insomnia and irritability....too much of a good thing IS NO longer good.
Research suggests that polyphenols provide cancer-protective properties by blocking the formation of cancer-causing compounds, suppressing the activation of carcinogens and effectively detoxifying cancer-causing agents, as well as reducing the inflammation associated with cancer and other diseases.
Numerous studies show that polyphenols reduce the risk of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, including cancers of the stomach and colon, lungs, prostate and breast. Polyphenols may also improve a woman’s prognosis once she’s diagnosed with breast cancer by lowering the risk of the cancer coming back by 46 per cent.
Avoid milk in your tea, as research suggests that it interferes with polyphenol absorption.
On the other hand, adding lemon or other citrus fruits to tea increases the bioavailability of green tea’s antioxidants. (Try our Lemon Green Tea - pictured right) Find varieties with whole tea leaves, as they have more surface area for hot water to extract the flavour and the antioxidants in the leaf. Green tea extracts and other food products containing green tea are available, but typically do not have the same health benefi ts as the beverage.
Enjoy!
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