What Do the Antioxidants in Tea do?
Tea has been consumed for centuries because of its potential health benefits and high concentration of antioxidants. In every tea discussion, we often hear the word ‘antioxidants,’ but do you really understand what it means? What are the antioxidants in tea and how do they affect our bodies? To understand antioxidants, we must understand free radicals and how different types of tea have varying levels of antioxidants.
Free Radicals Explained
Free radicals are formed when weak chemical bonds split. Free radicals are unstable and are constantly looking to attach to something else in order to become more stable. Free radicals occur naturally in our bodies and all around us, but due to environmental pollutants, radiation, and other harmful substances in our environment, the number of free radicals has increased. Unfortunately, they can cause more damage at high levels. When free radicals enter our bodies and we are not able to defend ourselves, they can alter our DNA by stealing electrons. These small changes in stability can then result in abnormal cell growth, increased cholesterol, and more harmful health conditions.
Our bodies can respond to normal levels of free radicals and stabilize them so they do not harm us. However, when free radicals are at high, excessive levels, our bodies need the help of antioxidants. Antioxidants prevent oxidation and help our bodies fend off damaging free radicals. Research has shown that consuming antioxidants on a regular basis may reduce your risk of cancer and blood clots, as well as potentially aid in weight loss.
Antioxidants in Tea
Most natural foods contain antioxidants like fruits, vegetables, and tea. By consuming these products, we can increase our body’s ability to fight off free radicals that can be damaging. Both green and black tea contain high levels of antioxidants when brewed and can help prevent cell damage. However, the tea with the highest level of antioxidants is Hibiscus tea. When brewed, hibiscus tea has over 400% of the antioxidants found in green or black tea. Consuming antioxidants on a daily basis has been shown to help with healthy cellular turnover and complement an overall healthy lifestyle.
Drink Your Daily Antioxidants
Help prevent your body from free radical damage with antioxidants in tea. Art of Tea offers a number of teas high in antioxidants that can help promote a healthy lifestyle, all you have to do is choose your favorite flavor. We recommend the following teas for their antioxidant properties:
- Black teas like English Breakfast
- Green teas like Green Pomegranate Tea
- White teas like Silver Needle
- Oolong teas like Iron Goddess of Mercy
Shop Art of Tea for Antioxidant Teas Today
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