What Are Tea Polyphenols and Flavonoids? (Science Incoming)

Tea contains a complex blend of chemical compounds that contribute to its taste, aroma, health benefits, and even colour. Honestly, I still get some of these mixed up - so let's do a recap together.What Are Tea Polyphenols?Basically, polyphenols are a diverse group of naturally occurring organic compounds found in plants, and are particularly abundant in tea. These compounds are known for their antioxidant properties, which means they can neutralise harmful free radicals in the body and thereby reduce oxidative stress. Some examples of polyphenols are catechins, theaflavins, and thearubigins.CatechinsCatechins are a type of flavonoid (which is a type of polyphenolic compound) found in high concentrations in green tea. They are powerful antioxidants and have been extensively studied for their health benefits. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is one of the most studied catechins due to its potential to fight disease.TheaflavinsTheaflavins are a type of polyphenol found in black tea. They...