Green tea’s health benefits can be mostly attributed to it’s polyphenols content. Polyphenols are chemicals with potent antioxidant properties. Polyphenols antioxidant effects appear to be greater than vitamin C. The polyphenols in green tea also give it a somewhat bitter flavor. So, if this is problem for you, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice – it actually boosts the effectiveness.
Polyphenols contained in teas are called catechins. Green tea contains six primary catechin compounds:
- catechin
- gallaogatechin
- epicatechin
- epigallocatechin
- epicatechin gallate
- apigallocatechin gallate (also known as EGCG). EGCG is the most studied polyphenol component in green tea and the most active.
Green tea’s other active components include alkaloids, caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These alkaloids provide green tea’s stimulant effects. L-theanine, an amino acid compound found in green tea, has been studied for its calming effects on the nervous system.
However, you should recognize that these are active substances which may trigger side effects and interact with other supplements, or medications. For these reasons, people should take green tea in moderation. If you have any concerns you should ask your medical practitioner about consuming green tea, especially if you are taking any other herbal or medicinal products.