Composition of Tea

Tea is composed of many nutrients which are claimed to have extremely strong health benefits.

 

Anti-oxidants

One cause of cancer results from damage being done to healthy human cells. They are damaged by harmful agents in the form of active oxygen – known more commonly as ‘free-radical oxygen’. These free-radicals join with healthy cells and oxidise them, destroying the cell membranes and altering the DNA. The result is cancer.
So how is tea able to prevent this? Tea is very high in antioxidants. Antioxidants latch onto the damaging free-radicals, steering them away from healthy cells and out through the body.

 

Caffeine

 

Caffeine can stimulate the metabolism, improve brain function and increase alertness. Research also shows that the presence of a compound- theophylline- complements caffeine by stimulating the respiratory system.

Caffeine levels in tea are much lower than what is found in coffee, making it more suitable to drink throughout the day. In fact, white tea contains nearly the same levels of caffeine as decaffeinated coffee – about 5mg, whereas white tea has about 8mg. Ground coffee has around 150 mg per cup.

 

Minerals

Minerals are naturally occurring, inorganic nutrients. Tea contains:

Fluoride–important for strengthening tooth enamel, making it more resistant to tooth decay. Tea is a very potent source of fluoride.

Magnesium –essential for the heart and liver, good nerve and muscle function, balanced metabolism and strong bones. It assists in the production and repair of cells and is necessary for calcium absorption and B1 and B6 metabolism.

Potassium–found in every cell in the body and helps to regulate fluid and alkaline/acid balance. It plays an important role in regulating heart rhythm, transporting oxygen to the brain, nerve transmission, metabolism, enzyme production, excretion and the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels.

Zinc -aids tissue repair and wound healing and is necessary for healthy immune and reproductive systems, liver function and sense of smell and taste. It plays an important role in enzyme and insulin formation and activity, and in the metabolism of vitamin A and essential fats. It is essential for healthy skin, bones and teeth and also for normal development of the brain, nervous system and bones during pregnancy.

 

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic compounds that function as regulators within the body. Classified as water soluble or fat soluble, vitamins cannot be manufactured by the body and must be obtained through diet or supplements. Tea contains:

A-promotes the development of healthy bones, skin and eyesight, particularly night vision and it strengthens the immune system, increasing resistance to infection.

B1-essential for carbohydrate metabolism, energy release and for keeping a healthy heart, brain and nervous system.

B2-needed for normal growth and development, encourages the release of energy from food and maintains the health of mucus membranes. It is also needed for healthy skin, eyes, nervous system and plays a role in fertility.

B6- essential for healthy red blood cells, metabolism, digestion and nervous system.

B12- contributes towards healthy nervous and cardiovascular systems, helps the formation of red blood cells and bone marrow, production of genetic material and metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

C- important for healthy blood vessels, muscles, gums, bones and teeth. It's a powerful antioxidant and helps the body to fight infection because of its antiviral, antibacterial and immune-boosting effects. Helps wound healing and is involved in collagen production for healthy skin, the metabolism of cholesterol and the absorption of iron.

E- essential for healthy heart function, circulation and functioning of the sexual organs. It also strengthens immune function, is antioxidant and protects cells from free radicals (oxidising substances that damage and kill off healthy cells). Helps heal skin and scar tissue, reduces inflammation.

K- regulates blood clotting. Is taken in through food and also produced by bacteria in the small intestine.

 

Amino-acids

Amino acids are the building blocks that make up protein. Vitamins and minerals can't perform their specific functions effectively if amino acids aren't present. Theanine is a non-protein amino acid mainly found naturally in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). Theanine is a derivative of L-glutamic acid (glutamate) and is considered to be largely responsible for flavour. It constitutes between 1% and 2%.of the dry weight of green tea leaves.

A colourless crystalline alkaloid. It is used in medicine as a bronchial dilator.