Green Tea Nutritional Facts !!

Flavan-3-ols, the type of flavonoids found in green tea and other teas, provide many of the anti-aging effects of green tea. Catechins in various types of teas are the polyphenols that seem to have the most potent antioxidant effects, according to Natural Standard, the leading and most respected reviewer of herbal compounds. Specific flavan-3-ols found in green tea include monomers (catechins) called:

• epicatechin

• epigallocatechin

• gallocatechin

• and gallate derivatives.

A well-known compound found in green tea is called EGCG (which stands for epigallocatechin-3-gallate). EGCG is associated with enhanced metabolic activities that may prevent weight gain or assist with weight maintenance. Some of the ways that EGCG seems to work is by boosting thermogenesis (the body producing heat by using energy) and suppressing appetite, although not every study has found evidence that these effects are substantial.

Green tea also contains many other protective compounds, including:

• linoleic acid

• quercetin

• aginenin

• methylxanthines, including caffeine, theobromine and theophylline

• many different amino acids and enzymes (proteins make up about 15 percent to 20 percent of the leaves’ dry weight)

• Carbohydrate molecules, such as cellulose, pectins, glucose, fructose and sucrose

• Small amounts of minerals and trace elements like calcium, magnesium, chromium, manganese, iron, copper and zinc

• Small amounts of chlorophyll and carotenoids

• Volatile compounds like aldehydes, alcohols, esters, lactones and hydrocarbons

Some of the benefits of green tea associated with the consumption of these compounds include reduced allergies, eye health and better vision, skin health, improved immune function, enhanced endurance, and protection from free radical damage and cancer.