White and green tea = youth.
Catechins are phenolic substances of plant origin. Typical representatives are catechin and epicatechin, which are. Catechins are colorless crystalline substances, often have a bitter-astringent taste, are well soluble in water and alcohol. During the polymerization of catechins, tannins are formed. The only product from which catechins are obtained on an industrial scale is tea leaves. Most catechins are found in white tea, slightly less in green tea. They are found in large quantities in many fruits and berries (apples, quince, apricots, peaches, plums, cherries, strawberries, currants, raspberries, etc.). Catechins are also found in dark chocolate.
Tannin is a general name for isomers of one of the catechins, which is present in white, yellow and green tea in higher concentrations than in black tea. Due to oxidation processes during tea fermentation, the content of catechins in black tea is reduced.
Catechins have high biological activity; they regulate capillary permeability and increase the elasticity of their walls, and also contribute to more efficient use of ascorbic acid by the body. Therefore, catechins are classified as substances with P-vitamin activity and are used in the treatment of diseases associated with capillary dysfunction, vascular edema, etc. Tea catechins have antimicrobial properties and are used in the treatment of dysentery. Oxidative transformations of catechins play an important role in food production technology, such as tea fermentation, winemaking, and cocoa production.
Catechins have long been the object of intense interest for scientists around the world. Currently, a number of their beneficial properties have been experimentally confirmed:
Catechins destroy free radicals, thereby preventing the aging of the body and helping to prevent cancer.
Catechins are able to absorb cholesterol, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, thrombosis, heart attacks and strokes.
Catechins help prevent diabetes by helping the body regulate blood sugar levels.
Due to the high biological activity of catechins, they regulate the permeability of capillaries and increase the elasticity of their walls, and also help the body to use ascorbic acid (vitamin C) more effectively. Therefore, catechins are used in the treatment of diseases associated with impaired capillary function, vascular edema, etc.
With their antibacterial properties, catechins help the body fight colds, food poisoning, and gastrointestinal diseases. They also kill harmful bacteria in the mouth, preventing bad breath and reducing the risk of periodontal disease.
Catechins are able to form compounds with metals such as lead, chromium, tin, cadmium and remove them from the body.
Being strong antioxidants, catechins help to speed up metabolism and increase energy expenditure, and also prevent the body from absorbing fats. This allows us to conclude that catechins help the body in the fight against excess calories and in reducing body fat.
Epigallocatechin gallate, EGCG, catechinsThe maximum concentration of such catechin in tea is reached by such a type of catechin as Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) up to 15%. The formula of the compound is C22H18O11. The molecular weight is 458.372 g/mol. It, in turn, is the most scientifically studied. As an antioxidant, it is 100 times stronger than vitamin C, that is, high-quality tea enriched with catechins is so much more useful than the well-known ascorbic acid. In addition to this effect, according to the latest research by scientists, catechin EGCG is 25 times more active than vitamin E.
In 2005, a Japanese research team summarized and published the results of a study on the effects of catechins, in particular EGCG, which lasted for more than 11 years. According to them, the life expectancy of people who daily consumed high-quality green tea was 20-30% longer. More detailed information about the results of the study can be found on the following website: Jamanetwork.com
It should be noted that achieving the rejuvenation effect is possible only with a daily dose of 570 mg EGCG. And this becomes possible with the use of 7-10 grams of white or green tea daily 2-3 times a day. Now I understand why a whole family of my Chinese friends who are engaged in the sale of Chinese tea constantly and in large quantities drink good, high-quality white tea .
Currently, the effect of epigallocatechin gallate on cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV infection, brain function, skin condition, etc. is also being studied.