The Precious Antioxidants In Tea

26 August 2008, 4:54PM
Femme

Antioxidants – a bit of a confusing buzz word that people associate with maintaining
their health, but aren¼t exactly sure what they are, and what they do that makes them
so brilliant. Many also don¼t know that some of these precious antioxidants are found
in tea.
 

Recent research by the University of Auckland has revealed that the amount of
antioxidants available in New Zealand teas, including Bell Tea brands, is significantly
higher than initially thought.

So what are antioxidants?
As we get older and our bodies are continuously exposed to pollution, harsh UV rays
and various toxins, our cells oxidise. These oxidised cells are called free radicals. As
highly reactive molecules, free radicals start chain reactions that damage healthy
cells causing us to age and making us more susceptible to disease.1
Antioxidants fight free radicals and, like scavengers, they go about mopping up (or
neutralising) the reactive and destructive cells.1

Antioxidants in tea
There is growing interest around the world in scientific studies which confirm the
traditional view of tea as a healthy beverage, as Dr Laurence Eyres from the
University of Auckland comments; “In very simple terms, our study revealed that tea
has higher levels of antioxidants than we initially thought, with one tea bag of green
or black tea having the same amount of antioxidants as around 500mls of fruit juice.
So drinking a few cups of tea each day really is a rich source of antioxidants that can
help your body to neutralize those excessive free radicals.”

Maximising the antioxidants in tea
While it is a fact that antioxidants are present in tea, the Auckland University study
found that to maximise the health benefits of tea, the crucial factor is the length of
time the tea is brewed.

Master Tea Taster for the Bell Tea Company, Matt Greenwood explains; “The easiest
way to ensure you realise the full potential of the antioxidants in your tea is to follow
Bell¼s Great Tea Takes Three Rule and brew your tea for at least three minutes, and
up to five, using freshly boiled water.”

“At least three minutes is needed because in the first minute your tea will reveal its
colour, in the second minute the colour deepens and the flavour develops and finally,
in that crucial third minute, your tea will develop the health benefits and let loose all
those great antioxidants, that will help you fight any free radicals in your body.”
 

"Drinking tea really is the easiest and tastiest way to get antioxidants into your
system and we have developed a range of teas suitable for all times of the day. Bell
Kenya Bold is a good strong brew for the morning, Bell Pure Ceylon or Bell Zesty
Green are great for mid-morning or that afternoon pick-me-up, and Bell Decaf makes
the perfect night cap.”

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