What exactly is an antioxidant?
Before finding out whether green tea is good for your health, let's start at the beginning: what are antioxidants? Why are they good for you and what are their benefits?
Antioxidants are naturally occurring molecules found in many foods whose role is to protect our bodies against premature ageing by countering the action of free radicals.
Antioxidants therefore fight these free radicals, which can damage our cells and even contribute to the development of certain diseases. We call them antioxidants because their purpose is to combat the oxidation caused by free radicals. So, as you can see, antioxidants are vital in helping our bodies promote long-term health and well-being.
And with good reason, since antioxidants are said to act at almost every level of our body:
- On the skin, by preserving its youthfulness. Antioxidants can help prevent skin sagging and wrinkle formation. This is one of the reasons why you often see antioxidants mentioned in skincare products.
- On the heart. Antioxidants can protect arteries and reduce levels of bad cholesterol. In short, they help prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases.
- On the eyes: they are believed to help prevent cell degeneration.
- On the body: by preserving the youth of cells, they may play a role in preventing cancer, inflammatory diseases, and more.
Which foods are rich in antioxidants?
The antioxidant family includes:
- vitamin C
- vitamin A - vitamin E
- polyphenols - carotenoids
- zinc, etc.
Antioxidants are therefore easy to find in our food. The sources are simply diverse. Spices such as turmeric and paprika are rich in vitamin E. Vitamin C is found in high amounts in citrus fruits, as well as in acerola and goji berries. A varied and healthy diet rich in vegetables should therefore cover all your needs. And what do you drink with it?
Green tea is the most powerful antioxidant tea.
Ahead of black and white tea, green tea contains the highest amount of antioxidants. The reason for this? Its polyphenol (catechin) content, antioxidant molecules that are beneficial to health.
According to ANSES (the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety), there are up to 400 mg of polyphenols in a cup of green tea. In particular, it has been shown that polyphenols (catechins) can be used to regulate immune responses in allergies, the intestinal mucosa, and anti-tumour immunity. Thus, drinking green tea may help strengthen the body's antioxidant and natural defences.
Overall, green tea's polyphenol content makes it a potentially very valuable food for the immune system.
Can drinking green tea prevent the appearance of wrinkles?
There is a link between wrinkles and green tea, which is also why it is included in some skincare cosmetics. Although green tea is popular for its astringent and wrinkle-reducing properties, drinking several cups will not turn back the clock to your twenties. At Kusmi, we believe all women are naturally beautiful anyway!
Are green tea antioxidants good for tooth decay?
Among green tea's other benefits is its effect on the development of dental plaque and fighting tooth decay. Once again, it is the famous polyphenols—a source of antioxidants found in green tea—that are believed to play an antibacterial role. This is thought to limit glucose adhesion to teeth. Great news for all organic green tea lovers!
Which green tea should you choose to enjoy the benefits of antioxidants?
Which green tea should you choose to enjoy the benefits of antioxidants?
While all black and white teas contain valuable antioxidants, green tea remains the most effective, mainly thanks to its high catechin content. In the green tea family, matcha is considered the richest in antioxidants. Good news: matcha tea is also one of our organic green teas. To enjoy these numerous benefits, also try our 100% vitamin-rich green tea called Ritual 28 Days, an innovative four-week vitamin C cure.
When it comes to choice, at Kusmi we recommend opting for loose-leaf organic teas. Why organic? Because of the rigorous quality controls that the tea leaves and buds undergo. Enjoy a tea that respects both the environment and producers. A true guarantee of quality against pesticides!
You now know all about the antioxidant properties of green tea. Don't you agree that your breakfast will taste that little bit different now you know the powers of green tea?
Curious about the other benefits of green tea? Right this way.