| The chemical compound known as a phenol is | | | | proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and DNA. However, |
| characterized by an aromatic benzene ring with a | | | | DNA is usually preferred. DNA and free radical |
| hydroxyl group (OH) attached. This makes sense | | | | interactions usually result in mutations that adversely |
| that poly-phenols refer to a chemical substance with | | | | affect the cell cycle and potentially lead to |
| more than one phenol group. Phenols function as | | | | malignancy. In fact, researchers believe this is how |
| potent antioxidants, reacting with free radicals. | | | | many forms of cancer arise.Antioxidants protect the |
| Phenols are responsible for the bright coloring in many | | | | body from damaging oxidation reactions. Antioxidants |
| fruits and vegetables. These fruit and vegetable | | | | safely interact with free radicals to prevent damage |
| phenols protect the plants from damage by disease | | | | to vital molecules. Antioxidants donate an electron to |
| and ultraviolet light.Polyphenols are phytonutrients or | | | | the free radical, hence stabilizing the free radical and |
| phytochemicals. Phytonutrients are biologically active | | | | preventing damage. The antioxidant is stable with or |
| compounds in food. However, these phytonutrients | | | | without the electron, making this a win-win |
| are not classified as essential nutrients. This is | | | | situation.Polyphenols can be found in white, black, and |
| because the body does not depend on these | | | | green tea. Of course, the level of polyphenols along |
| nutrients for proper bodily function. Phytonutrients do | | | | with other nutrients is based on how the tea is |
| play a vital role in affecting our health just as | | | | processed. Steamed white and green tea retains |
| significantly as vitamins and minerals do.Polyphenols | | | | more polyphenols and nutrients than roasting and |
| are classified as flavonoids, which is a class of | | | | fermenting. Black teas and some green teas are |
| phytonutrient. Polyphenols can form complexes with | | | | fermented and roasted, damaging the bioactive |
| metal cations such as iron, zinc, and copper. This | | | | substances in the tea leaf.Why should you drink |
| reduces the absorption of the mineral. This is | | | | green tea? Many studies have been done on the |
| beneficial because excess levels of these cations | | | | health benefits of green tea. Dietary intake of green |
| promotes the generation of free radicals. Polyphenols | | | | tea has been linked to a reduced risk of cancer and |
| are potent free radical scavengers in the body. | | | | heart disease. Regular consumption of green tea |
| Polyphenols also protect and regenerate other | | | | shows no significant side effects. Green tea helps |
| dietary oxidants such as vitamin E.Polyphenols are | | | | prevent cavities, strengthens teeth, and is thought to |
| plentiful in green tea. Polyphenols have been found to | | | | kill oral bacteria that is responsible for bad breath. |
| be more powerful as an antioxidant than even | | | | Green tea has been shown to protect the brain from |
| vitamins C and E. In particular, EGCG or | | | | oxidative stress and lower monoamine oxidase |
| epigallocatechin gallate is the major polyphenolic | | | | activity; preventing age related brain degeneration. |
| constituent of green tea. EGCG is a potent | | | | Green tea studies suggest an increase in exercise |
| antioxidant. A number of chronic diseases have been | | | | endurance by improving the metabolism of fat.Green |
| thought to be caused by free radical damage such as | | | | tea offers many health benefits to those who drink |
| cancer, aging, and heart disease.Antioxidants protect | | | | green tea regularly. Besides offering antioxidant |
| the body from free radical damage. What are free | | | | benefits, green tea is excellent as a weight loss |
| radicals? Free radicals are caused by cigarette | | | | supplement offering weight loss results and safety. |
| smoking, radiation, pollution, and herbicides. Free | | | | Of course, green tea should be used in combination |
| radicals are atoms with unpaired electrons in the | | | | with a healthy diet and exercise program. If you take |
| outer shell. The unpaired electrons make free radicals | | | | medications for a health condition, consult your |
| unstable. Free radicals want only to be stable. Free | | | | doctor before adding green tea to your |
| radical stability requires the electrons to be paired. | | | | diet.Copyright 2006 Kristy HaugenKristy Haugen is a |
| Free radicals are extremely reactive and will oxidize | | | | mother working to finish her second bachelor degree |
| the nearest molecule.Oxidizing causes the free radical | | | | in Chemical Engineering. She is also a Licensed Practical |
| to gain an electron but also creates another free | | | | Nurse with a current bachelor degree in Biology and |
| radical. This creates a chain reaction continuing until | | | | Chemistry. She writes to inform consumers about |
| the disruption of a living cell. Free radicals can attack | | | | nutrition and health topics. |