Why Green Tea is so Much Popular Worldwide

Green tea is a popular beverage around the world. It is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols and catechins. These compounds have been shown to reduce inflammation, protect cells from oxidative damage, prevent cancer, and improve cardiovascular function.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that are able to neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause cellular damage. Antioxidants help to protect against free radical damage and may even reverse some of its effects.

Catechins

Catechins are powerful antioxidants that act as anti-inflammatory agents. They have been shown to inhibit tumor growth and increase apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)

EGCG is the major antioxidant in green tea. In vitro studies show that EGCG inhibits chemical carcinogens and prevents DNA damage.

Polyphenols

Polyphenols are natural chemicals present in many fruits, vegetables, and grains. They are responsible for giving these foods their color and flavor. A few examples of polyphenols include flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, lignans, stilbenes, and anthocyanidins.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a group of polyphenols that give fruits and vegetables their colors. They are also known to have anticancer properties. Quercetin is a flavonoid that has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells.

Lignans

Lignans are phytoestrogens. They are similar to estrogen in structure and function. However, they do not bind to estrogen receptors. Instead, they bind to estrogen receptor beta. This causes them to stimulate the production of progesterone and testosterone.