Epigallocatechin (EGCG) catechins in
green tea
.
Catechins belong to the flavan-3-ol class of flavonoids. Green teacatechins are the flavan-3-ols found in green tea leaves. All catechinsincluding EGCG are polyphenolic substances. Black tea leaves have amuch lower content of these catechins. That's because black tea leavesundergo extensive fermentation
, during which the majority of thecatechins are enzymatically oxidized to the major pigments of black tealeaves, theaflavin and thearubigen.
Green tea catechins,especially EGCG, make up approximately thirty percent of the dry weightof green tea leaves. Of the catechins, EGCG is the most abundant one ingreen tea leaves. Green tea has and continues to be a popular beveragein the Orient (especially in China and Japan). In this region, it isthought to have a number of health-promoting benefits, and it is usedin the management of various disorders. Clinical studies suggest thatgreen tea may have cancer chemo preventive, as well as anti-atherogenicproperties.
The catechins in green tea are responsible for thepurported health benefits of the plant. These catechins areantioxidants, with EGCG appearing to be the most power antioxidant ofall the green tea catechins.
Green tea catechins,especially EGCG, make up approximately thirty percent of the dry weightof green tea leaves. Of the catechins, EGCG is the most abundant one ingreen tea leaves. Green tea has and continues to be a popular beveragein the Orient (especially in China and Japan). In this region, it isthought to have a number of health-promoting benefits, and it is usedin the management of various disorders. Clinical studies suggest thatgreen tea may have cancer chemo preventive, as well as anti-atherogenicproperties.
The catechins in green tea are responsible for thepurported health benefits of the plant. These catechins areantioxidants, with EGCG appearing to be the most power antioxidant ofall the green tea catechins.
