Tea contains flavonoids, naturally occurring compounds that have been shown to have antioxidant
properties. Antioxidants work to neutralize free radicals, which scientists believe, over time, damage
elements in the body, such as genetic material and lipids, and contribute to many chronic diseases.
Recent research has explored the potential health attributes of tea through studies in humans and animal
models, and through in vitro laboratory research. For the most part, studies conducted on Green and
Black Tea, which are both from the Camellia sinensis plant, have yielded similar results.
An examination of recently released dietary intake data from the National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey (NHANES) reported that differences in total flavonoid intake among subgroups are
principally associated with the percentage of tea consumers and their prevalence of tea consumption.1
Valuable new information has also been recently reported regarding the bioavailability and metabolism of
tea flavanols using novel approaches with in vitro digestion models as well as in human studies.2,3 These
categories of data are important as individuals consider what foods to include to increase bioavailable and
bioactive phytochemicals.
Recent research suggests that tea and tea flavonoids may play important roles in various areas of health
and may operate through a number of different mechanisms still being explored. Recent findings about
tea and health