What are antioxidants and what are their benefits?
Naturally occurring antioxidants are nutrients found in most plants, including fruits and vegetables. The process of breaking down food for energy creates free radicals and peroxides in your body everyday. Antioxidants help your body keep these harmful substances in check. They bind free radicals and peroxides — both of which are oxygen-containing molecules in your body that, if left unchecked, can damage your DNA, lipid and protein in your body. All teas are rich in antioxidants, including a class called flavonoids. Green Teas contain more of the simple flavonoids called catechins, while the oxidization that the leaves undergo to make Black Tea converts these simple flavonoids to the more complex varieties called theaflavins and thearubigins.
