Free Radicals and Antioxidants
Teas are categorized according to their oxidation levels, which is called the fermentation process. Green tea is pan heated, baked, or steamed to prevent oxidation and thus the leaves remain green. Black tea is fully fermented, and Oolong tea is partially fermented.
The antioxidant epigalloctechin-3 gallate ( EGCG ) is lost in oolong and black varieties when fermented but preserved in green tea. Green tea is high in antioxidants and antioxidants are thought to prevent free radicals. White tea has been reported to have an even higher amount of antioxidants.
A free radical is any molecular species capable of independent existence, that contains one or more unpaired electrons not contributing to intermolecular bonding, and is, in that sense, “free”. They are produced by oxidation/reduction reactions, in which there is a transfer of only one electron at a time, or when a covalent bond is broken and one electron from each pair remains with each atom. Thus, a free radical has an unpaired electron.
You can read more about this at: Health Benefits of Green Tea – Read about it here! (non affiliated)
Caffeine Conent in Select Coffee and Teas
Double espresso (2oz) 45-100 mg
Brewed coffee (8 oz) 60-120 mg
Instant coffee (8 oz) 70 mg
Decaf coffee (8 oz) 1-5 mg
Tea – black (8 oz) 45 mg
Tea – green (8 oz)20 mg
Tea – white (8 oz)15 mg
What Is It About Green Tea? Benefits
Green tea is rich in catechin polyphenols, (in particular –> epigallocatechin gallate *EGCG*. EGCG is a potent anti-oxidant. It has been impressive in lowering LDL cholesterol levels and repressing aberrant formation of blood clots which is a major cause of heart attack and stroke.
Green tea can suppress the growth of cancer cells and can kill cancer cells without damaging healthy tissue.
Amazingly, the rate of heart disease among Japanese men is quite low (who drink great amounts of Green tea). About seventy-five percent ( 75%) are smokers. EGCG is twice as powerful as resveratrol and could have a lot to do with such a low incident of heart related disease.
Resveratrol is an antioxidant found in red grape skins: a powerful antioxidant present in many plants and plant products, especially in red grape skins.
Tea on the Go — A Revelation in My Own Mind
Don’t throw away those 12 ounce bottled water containers……. make hot tea to go in them!
A few minutes ago I was about to throw away a 12 ounce Dasani (or whatever brand you like), water bottle. Then it hit me… I want hot tea and this bottle is the perfect size for a one bag cup. Give or take. Depends on how strong you like it. Two bags if you like. So I put purified water in the bottle and popped it in the microwave for a minute and a half, added a tea bag ( genseng and honey green ) and screwed the lid back on. yay! Instant to go hot tea. It was perfect.
I really would not leave it in the microwave for more than two minutes if you still want to be able to hold it without burning yourself or if you want to avoid melting the bottle. Anyhoo…. it really worked well and the tea tasted just fine.
I am sure someone, somewhere, has already discovered this but it was my first time. I hope you like the idea.
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