What do tea leaves really contain?
Black, white and green tea leaves are made up of many components. There are 6 main ones:
• Amino acids: there are around twenty of them, including theanine, which has a sweet flavour. The more tea is oxidised, the more they tend to break down;
• Alkaloids: caffeine, theobromine and theophylline, bitter substances also found in coffee that are repellents secreted by the plant to protect itself from pests;
• Carbohydrates: starches and sugars stored during photosynthesis;
• Minerals: more than 40 types, including magnesium, potassium and calcium, are found in tea, varying according to the harvest;
• Pigments: chlorophyll and carotenoids absorb light during photosynthesis to colour tea leaves;
• Polyphenols: mainly EGCG and catechin, are antioxidants secreted by plants to attract or repel certain parasites. They give tea its astringent taste.
The proven health benefits of tea and herbal infusions
Black, white or green tea infused in water is indeed a source of hydration when consumed regularly. As an adult, numerous studies recommend drinking 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day to maintain good health. Water is the main component of our cells, but it also ensures the proper elimination of waste. According to these studies, drinking it is therefore vital for proper blood circulation and oxygenating our cells.
Similarly, tea leaves are known to be very rich in antioxidants, notably thanks to the presence of polyphenols. These have the ability to slow the oxidation of other substances, helping to prevent the development of certain diseases such as cancer, in conjunction with EGCG. An American study observed a reduced risk of diseases such as digestive tract cancer among 75,000 women who regularly consumed green tea.
Tea, a safe healthy drink
Drinking cups of black, white or green tea, or an herbal infusion, is above all a pleasurable ritual that complements a healthy lifestyle. Some of its virtues have indeed been proven, but many of its supposed benefits and properties should be viewed with caution. No study proves that tea has an impact on weight, diabetes, cholesterol or other diseases. What is certain, however, is that tea or herbal infusions have no harmful effects or health risks. Staying fit all year round is therefore all about balance.
Choose a varied, high-quality diet, exercise and drink enough: these are the foundations of wellbeing. Whether with breakfast, during a break or before bed, enjoy the flavours and benefits of tea or herbal infusions to stay hydrated. However, avoid systematically sweetening your cups of tea or herbal infusion. Instead, add a squeeze of lemon juice to your drinks for a flavourful beverage.
At Kusmi, we offer hundreds of quality varieties to suit all your desires. Enjoyed hot or iced, choose a flavourful organic Kusmi tea, matcha or herbal infusion made in Normandy. Organic Darjeeling No. 37, organic Sencha green tea or Rooibos Vanilla, discover all our loose-leaf and tea bag teas and herbal infusions.