WTF is a Catechin?

WTF is a Catechin?

The answer is well-known in Japan and is one of the elements that makes green tea a tasty and healthy brew.

Firstly full disclosure: we are not chemists, doctors or the next big answer to COVID-19, but green tea is said to deliver a number of health benefits to its human drinkers. After all the Japanese drink it daily and enjoy the longest life expectancy in the world. Coincidence perhaps and obviously many other factors to consider, but there is a growing body of scientific research that confirm the health benefits of green tea – worth a quick google.

Green Tea is loaded with good stuff and one of these elements is Catechins (a type of polyphenol). Catechins are a naturally occurring element found in plants; it helps plants to protect themselves and repair damage, and has also been found to be a powerful antioxidant for us. Catechins also deliver the astringency (tannins) hit in green tea. Green tea in particular delivers a more potent dose of catechins and antioxidants than other teas as oxidation is minimized in the production process – also the whole leaf is generally used. Some of the many health benefits of drinking catechins in green tea may include:

  • Anti-influenza effect
  • Protection against cancers
  • Fat/ weight loss
  • Decreased blood cholesterol
  • Improved brain function
  • Lowering the risk of heart disease
  • Reduce bad breath
  • Improved dental health

Catechins are just one of the elements in green tea and there are plenty of others which are also of benefit to our bodies. If you need any further evidence, anecdotally, we have also heard on a number of occasions that doctors in Japan regularly advise their patients to gargle with green tea (usually sencha) to prevent and cure colds & flus.

So there you go, Green tea is probably the healthiest beverage on the planet thanks primarily to the Catechins… and you can discover, buy and enjoy the best small-batch green tea direct from Japan at www.CupofJapan.com.