Green tea is rich in antioxidants, which mainly come from polyphenols in green tea. Here are some of the main antioxidants in green tea:
1. Tea Polyphenols:
- Tea polyphenols are the main antioxidant components in green tea, including catechins, which have strong antioxidant capacity.
2. Catechins:
- Catechins are a class of flavonoid compounds with significant antioxidant effects, including epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin gallate (ECG), , CG) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
3. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG):
- EGCG is the most abundant catechin in green tea and one of the most studied green tea components, with very strong antioxidant activity.
4. Vitamins:
- Green tea contains many vitamins, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, which also have antioxidant effects.
5. Flavonoids
- Flavonoids are a class of natural compounds widely found in plants. In addition to catechins, green tea also contains other flavonoids, which also have antioxidant properties.
6. Carotenoids:
- Green tea contains a certain amount of carotene, and these natural pigments also have antioxidant effects.
7. Minerals:
- Green tea contains a variety of minerals, such as zinc and selenium, which play a supporting role in the antioxidant process.
8. Phenolic Acids:
- Phenolic acid is a type of organic acid, and the phenolic acid in green tea also has certain antioxidant capacity.
The antioxidant effects of green tea are largely attributed to the combined effects of these components, which work together to scavenge free radicals from the body, reduce oxidative stress, and help prevent a number of chronic diseases. Therefore, drinking green tea in moderation has many positive health effects.