Both black tea and green tea contain many antioxidants that fight free radicals in the body. Tea therefore contributes to the prevention of diseases such as cancer. Green tea and black tea come from the same plant. They are just prepared differently. Green tea leaves are steamed and therefore oxidize minimally. Because black tea leaves are not steamed, the leaves oxidize. NB! This article is written from the personal view of the author and may contain information that is not scientifically substantiated and/or in line with the general view.

Contents:

• Almost the most popular drink in the world
• Tea contributes to the prevention of cancer
• Oxidation in the body
• Tea or fruit for antioxidants?
• Tea from a pack

Almost the most popular drink in the world

Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world. Number one is water and number three is coffee. Tea is popular in all continents and countries. Originally, tea from the tea plant was only consumed in Asia. From the 17th and 18th centuries, the English and Dutch frequently exported tea to Europe, after which it quickly became a Western custom to drink tea.

Tea contributes to the prevention of cancer

The scientific name for the tea plant is Camellia sinensis. In addition to green tea and black tea, white and oolong tea are also made from this plant. The latter is a kind of mixture of green and black tea. Tea from this plant is very rich in antioxidants in the form of polyphenols. They protect the body against free radicals that can cause damage to human cells. Free radicals can even cause DNA damage, which can lead to cancer.Tea plant flower / Source: Shizhao, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA-3.0)

Oxidation in the body

Oxidation takes place in everyone’s body. If this does not happen in too large numbers, it does not prevent a normal life cycle. But when too much oxidation takes place, aging processes accelerate. The development of cancer tumors is a consequence of an accumulation of oxidation processes. Antioxidants in vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds and tea can reverse the oxidation processes with all their harmful consequences.

Tea or fruit for antioxidants?

Fruit is very healthy and, like tea, contains many antioxidants. Every fruit contains different antioxidants. It is generally good to consume many different healthy substances. The same antioxidants from tea every day are therefore best alternated with antioxidants that you do not use daily.

Tea from a pack

Pre-produced tea from a package, iced tea from a bottle or package and instant tea have no or much less medicinal effect. Home-brewed tea contains the most polyphenols. You can make fresh iced tea yourself. Tea made from fresh leaves is even healthier because the polyphenols become fewer in number as the leaf dries. However, tea leaves have so many polyphenols that regular tea made with tea bags and fresh loose tea are still very effective as antioxidants.