Green tea is one of the most powerful medicinal plants. Used for over 5000 years, it has many virtues. The main one is its powerful antioxidant role. 

The power of antioxidants

The antioxidants are molecules that help fight against free radicals that oxidize cells, causing premature aging of our cells and a decrease in our immune system. They are present in fruits, vegetables and other foods. But who are they?

Here are the main antioxidants:

• Vitamin A (beta-carotene), present in fruits and vegetables very colorful as carrots, spinach, melon, mango, apricots, ... ;
• Vitamin E (tocopherol), found in vegetable oils (sunflower, grape seed), corn, almonds, hazelnuts, fennel, avocado, ... ;
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) contained in citrus fruits, blackcurrant, kiwi, cabbage, ... ;
• Zinc, found in oysters, beef, eggs and dairy products;
• Selenium, present in fish and offal;
• Coenzymes Q10, found in offal, beef, sardines, mackerel, soybean oil, nuts and seeds;
• Lycopene (related to the red color) contained in watermelon, tomatoes, pink grapefruit, guava, papaya, ... ;
• Flavonoids, protective pigments in fruits and vegetables as well as in chocolate and wine;
• Polyphenols present in onions, green tea, red wine, broccoli, ... ;
• Lutein (yellow color) contained in egg yolk, corn, carrots, green leafy vegetables (spinach, sorrel, ...).

The benefits of green tea

The green tea is a plant with multiple virtues. It helps to reduce blood cholesterol, increase metabolism, energy and vitality, which plays a role in increasing sports performance in both strength and endurance sports. It participates in the prevention of certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases and has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and antigenic properties (i.e., it is a good source of vitamin C). That is, it prevents the flow of oxygen to the tumors and cancer cells). It also increases insulin sensitivity, thus reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. 

All of these benefits depend on the type of tea as well as the concentration and balance of different substances present in the leaves. Another factor that influences the action of green tea on health is its quality, its method of preparation (dosage, temperature and duration of infusion) as well as the proximity between its consumption and meals because its assimilation depends on other ingested foods such as milk or lemon which diminish its virtues. 

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Green tea: a powerful antioxidant

Green tea has ahigh concentration of polyphenols and catechins, powerful antioxidants that help fight free radicals, protect against UV rays and reduce oxidative stress. Note that its antioxidant activity is four times higher than that of vitamin C. 

The most important antioxidant in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a member of the catechin family. It promotes the destruction of cancerous cells reducing the risk of developing cancer. It also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease as well as the risk of cavities. Be careful, it can also reduce the action of certain chemotherapy treatments. 

The catechins we have just discussed (EGCG) are useful in the fight against certain diseases but, in excess, can be toxic. So be careful not to overuse it. In order to optimize the antioxidant properties of green tea, choose a quality green tea, preferably organic (the leaves are brewed whole, so you can take full advantage of the pesticides present on them) and respect the instructions concerning the brewing time. 

Since the beginning of this article we have been talking about green tea but it is important to know that there are many varieties (Sencha, Matcha, Genmaicha, Gyokuro, Shincha, ...) and that they do not all have the same concentration of antioxidants. Among these, Japanese Matcha green tea is the richest in antioxidants. 

Establish a ritual

If you are not used to drinking green tea regularly, you will first have to get used to the taste. Indeed, this one can seem quite bitter but learn to appreciate it rather than adding sugar, honey or lemon. As mentioned earlier in this article, you'll be depriving yourself of some of the green tea's benefits. That would be a shame. Establish a little ritual of your own, whether it's at night with a book or in the morning at breakfast, but make sure you incorporate this little "healthy" extra into your day. 

Combining a healthy lifestyle with regular consumption of quality green tea is a winning combination to take care of your health!