As the saying goes: "There are seven necessities in life: firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea," showing how deeply tea is intertwined with our daily lives!

With advancing research in tea medicine and growing emphasis on healthy living, the health benefits of tea have gained widespread recognition, making its role irreplaceable. Large-scale epidemiological studies in Asia (surveying over 100,000 people over ten years) reveal that drinking four or more cups of green tea daily significantly enhances overall health.

The remarkable health benefits of tea primarily stem from its "tea polyphenols." Did you know?

Fresh tea leaves contain about 18%–36% tea polyphenols.

Tea polyphenols are a collective term for polyphenolic compounds in tea, including flavanols, anthocyanins, flavonoids, flavonols, and phenolic acids. Among these, catechins—a type of flavanol—are the most crucial component, responsible for tea polyphenols' potent effects.

So, what are their benefits?

1. Boosts the body's ability to combat harmful free radicals, enhancing the antioxidant defense system.

Studies show that tea polyphenols (especially catechins) in green tea have strong antioxidant properties, effectively neutralizing free radicals—far more efficiently than vitamins E, C, or β-carotene.

2. Prevents cell (including DNA) mutations, maintaining normal cellular function.

International research confirms that tea polyphenols (notably catechins) possess anti-cancer and anti-mutation effects. Experiments demonstrate their ability to inhibit cancers induced by nitrosamines and aflatoxins, such as liver, stomach, skin, lung, and esophageal cancers, while suppressing enzymes linked to cancer metastasis.

3. Accelerates metabolism and fat burning.

Tea polyphenols inhibit starch-digesting enzymes, slowing carbohydrate breakdown and preventing insulin spikes, thus promoting fat oxidation. They also reduce hunger between meals, preventing overeating. Additionally, indigestible green tea fiber improves gut motility and prevents constipation.

4. Prevents Metabolic Syndrome (X Syndrome).

Obese Type II diabetics often suffer from hypertension, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hyperinsulinemia—collectively termed Metabolic Syndrome—which increases risks of stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies indicate tea polyphenols (particularly catechins) can mitigate these life-threatening factors.

5. Brightens skin and protects against UV damage.

Green tea's antioxidants shield skin from free radicals and UV rays, delaying aging and preventing hyperpigmentation for a brighter complexion. Tea polyphenols also inhibit collagenase, preserving collagen and elastin for youthful skin.

6. Prevents cavities and eliminates bad breath.

Clinical trials prove tea polyphenols reduce dental plaque and periodontal disease, preventing cavities. They also neutralize methanethiol, effectively eliminating smoker's breath.