by History and Origin of Tea
Tea has been cultivated and consumed in Asia for thousands of years, with the earliest credible evidence of tea drinking dating back to the 10th century in China. However, tea was not introduced to Europeans until the 1600s, making its way to Europe through extensive trade with Asia. What began as a luxury good eventually became one of the most widely consumed beverages globally. Today tea is sourced from over 30 different tea plant varieties and is processed through different methods to produce various types like green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea and more.
Constituents and Compounds in Tea
Tea Extracts leaves are rich sources of antioxidants like flavonoids, catechins and polyphenols. The major catechin compounds found in tea include:
– Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG): This powerful antioxidant makes up around 40% of the total catechin content in green tea and is thought to be responsible for many of tea’s health benefits.
– Epicatechin (EC): Another abundant catechin compound that has anti-inflammatory and cardio-protective properties.
– Epigallocatechin (EGC): Along with EGCG, EGC is thought to protect against cancer development and reduce cholesterol levels.
– Epicatechin gallate (ECG): Shows potential in lowering risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.
These catechins and other antioxidants in tea leaves are highly beneficial for our health and have been associated with reducing risks of various diseases.
Cardiovascular Benefits
A wealth of research shows tea consumption can aid heart health in several ways. Catechins and other antioxidants found in tea are believed to help reduce bad LDL cholesterol levels and protect LDL particles from oxidative damage. They also help prevent formation of blood clots and keep arteries flexible through promotion of nitric oxide release from endothelial cells lining blood vessels. Studies have found tea drinking is linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes. The American Heart Association recognizes tea as one way to support heart health when consumed in moderation.
Cancer Prevention Properties
Tea extracts have demonstrated potential anti-cancer effects in a number of studies. Compounds like catechins are thought to help prevent cancer development by reducing inflammation, inhibiting tumor growth and inducing cancer cell death. Research suggests regularly drinking green tea or taking green tea extracts may help lower risks of certain cancers including breast, prostate, colorectal and lung cancers. However, more clinical studies are still needed but preliminary evidence is promising in regards to tea’s cancer protective properties.
Brain and Cognitive Benefits
Population and animal studies indicate drinking tea may support brain health and delay cognitive decline as we age. Antioxidants in tea like EGCG readily cross the blood-brain barrier and positively impact neuronal signaling pathways as well as reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. Tea consumption has been linked to lower risks of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s according to some studies. The caffeine content in tea provides a mild cognitive boost as well. Regularly including tea as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle may help preserve mental sharpness especially in older adults.
Weight Management Assistance
Brewing tea derives many naturally occurring compounds that have benefits related to weight management. The catechins in teas have been shown to boost thermogenesis, increasing calories burned, and may also inhibit the formation of new fat cells. Additionally, tea contains caffeine which is a stimulant that boosts metabolism slightly. The combination caffeine and catechins found in tea extracts may aid weight loss or maintenance when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. Drinking tea has been associated with a reduced risk of weight gain and obesity according to some long term studies as well.
Antioxidant Power of Tea Extracts
When tea leaves are processed into concentrated liquid or powdered extracts, it enhances the amount of potent antioxidants bioavailable for absorption. Tea extracts allow users to gain the health promoting effects of drinking multiple cups of tea in one serving. Making tea extracts more convenient to consume compared to steeping tea bags or leaves. Manufacturers utilize different techniques to protect and standardize active antioxidants like EGCG during extraction. This helps ensure consistent antioxidant levels are delivered to consumers. Taking tea extracts supplements daily provides concentrated doses of catechins and bioactive compounds to help support overall health, disease prevention and cognitive function.
Tea has been an integral part of healthy traditions globally thanks to its vast antioxidant reservoir. Modern science continues to unveil new ways in which compounds found in tea may influence human health. While more research is still undergoing, existing evidence reinforces tea’s abilities to promote heart, brain, and metabolic well-being when consumed regularly. Herbal tea extracts offer an easy means to gain focused therapeutic levels of beneficial antioxidants for supporting health from the inside out. Thanks to its rich history and valuable properties, tea looks poised to remain a treasured health promoting beverage for many years to come.
