There is no shortage of healthy drinks out there, from super juices to vitamin enriched waters, but tea is an ancient beverage that has promised health benefits for centuries. There are numerous types of teas that have varying health benefits. Some varieties even promise to improve sleep, digestion and immune support. Most of these teas, if not all of them, have in common that the various compounds and components that get changed around and formed through methods such as oxidation and withering. Here are a few compounds found in tea that are especially beneficial:
Polyphenols
These compounds are one of the most numerous (almost 30,000 in tea) and are mostly found in the first leaf and the bud. One of the more important polyphenol categories is called flavonoids. These contain antioxidants and are responsible for numerous health benefits found in tea.
Amino Acids
These common compounds are found primarily in the leaves. Theanine, the most prevalent amino acid, promotes relaxation and alpha brain wave activity. This kind of activity occurs with activities like meditating and daydreaming, which when paired with tea, can help with depression and even creativity.
Carbohydrates
Carbs like sugars and starches are stored energy which helps to kick start important reactions. Some of these reactions include the creation of enzymes and polyphenols. While the compound itself is not hugely beneficial for the user, this helps with the creation of more important compounds that do.
Dr. Barbara R. Edwards, Princeton Internist, practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center. She is also the Academic Director for the Ambulatory Residency Program at Penn Medicine Princeton Health.