Green Tea Nutrition - Ingredients in Green Tea

The main green tea nutrients are polyphenols (catechins), caffeine (called theine), tannin (flavonols), theophylline, theobromine, fat, wax, saponins, essential oils, carotene, vitamin C, vitamins A, B1, B12, K and P, flouride, iron, magnesium, calcium, strontium, copper, nickel, zinc, and trace of elements such as molybdenum and phosphorus. There are over 450 organic substances in this tea.

Antioxidants and Catechins in Green Tea 

The nutritional value of green tea is very high – the most vital of all ingredients is the antioxidant known as polyphenol. Green tea is rich in catechin polyphenols. Catechins are the major group of polyphenols in green tea and the most active catechins are called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Other catheins compounds are: catechin, gallaogatechin (GC), epicatehcin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (ECg). EGCG is a powerful antioxidant that helps in slowing down the aging process.

According to research and extensive studies, EGCG has the highest level and broadest spectrum of cancer-fighting activity. Many scientists now agree that polyphenols can actually prevent the growth of cancer cells, and kills cancer cells without any harm to the healthy tissues.

Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals before they can cause any damage. They help to facilitate digestion and metabolism in the body. Antioxidants act as a cleaning mechanism in the blood and that is great for cardiovascular health.

Evidence suggests that green tea provide other health benefits such as lowering blood pressure, reducing LDL cholesterol, and even fighting oral bacteria that causes plaque. So this tea is good for the reduction or elimination of tooth decay.

Thannin in Green Tea 

Tannins are produced by plants; they are a group of simple and complex phenol, polyphenols, and flavonoid compounds. The tannins are relatively resistant to digestion or fermentation. Flavonoids (plant pigments) in green teas may aid in protecting against infection.

Green tea has naturally occurring compound, the amino acid L-theanine. It has a mild sweet taste. L-theanine promotes the formation of the neurotransmitter dopamin, changes of serotonin levels and increase the alpha-waves in the brain. It also relaxes people and promotes sleep. It helps in the production of antibodies and may help the body's immune response to infection. There are many other benefits of this amino acid.

Caffeine in Green Tea 

Green tea contains about 30 to 50 milligrams of caffeine per 8 oz cup, but a percentage of caffeine content in green tea vary according to the area of cultivation and the growth stage of the leaf. For example, the younger leaves and buds have greatest caffeine content, and older leaves have correspondingly larger amounts of caffeine. Compounds of green tea, EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) and L-Theanine (theanine) eliminate the negative effects of caffeine and render them harmless. These two compounds make green tea a much safer caffeine drink.

Green tea has also been linked to an increase in the number of calories burned. The caffeine and antioxidants stimulate the metabolism and aid the oxidation of fat. The combination of green tea and caffeine improved weight loss.

Vitamins, Minerals and Other 

Green tea has no traces of fats, and therefore no calories coming from fat. It is a rich source of various vitamins and minerals. Amount of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in green tea is comparable to a lemon. Green tea also contains several B vitamins which are water soluble and quickly released into a cup of tea. Five cups of green tea a day will provide 5-10% of the daily requirement of riboflavin, niacin, folic acid, and pantothenic acid. Also five cups of green tea provide approximately 5% of the daily requirement of magnesium, 45% of the requirement for manganese and 25% of potassium. Green tea is containing fluoride, where a cup of green tea provides approximately 0.1 mg of fluoride, which is higher than in fluorinated water. More than 450 organic compounds have been found in green tea. As mention before there are more than 450 organic compounds have been found in green tea.

Given below is the nutritional value of green tea

Green tea composition; % weight of extract solids
Catechins	30-42
Flavonols	5-10
Other flavonoids	2-4
Theogallin	2-3
Other depsides	1
Ascorbic Acid	1-2
Gallic Acid	0.5
Quinic acid	2
Other organic acids	4-5
Theanine	4-6
Other amino acids	4-6
Methylxanthines	7-9
Carbohydrates	10-15
Minerals	6-8
Volatiles	0.02

Green tea nutritional facts - 100 ml Amount per Serving
Calories	2
Calories from Fat	0
Total Fat	0g
Saturated Fat	0g
Monounsaturated Fat	0g
Polyunsaturated Fat	0g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	3mg
Potassium	27mg
Total Carbohydrate	0.2g
Dietary Fiber	0g
Sugars	0g
Protein	0.2g
Vitamin C	6mg
Calcium	3mg
Iron	0.2mg
Riboflavin (B2)	0.05mg
Niacin (B3)	0.2mg
Vitamin B6	0.01mg
Folic Acid (Folate)	16ƒÊg
Magnesium	2mg
Panthothenic Acid	0.04mg
Copper	0.01mg
Manganese	0.31mg
Est. Percent of Calories from:
Fat 0.0%
Carbs 40.0%
Protein 40.0%

You may also like to read 20 Health Benefits of Green Tea

Source: http://www.greenteanutritionfacts.com/