Green tea leaves produce antioxidant organic compounds called catechins that reportedly have beneficial health effects, such as fighting bacteria, viruses and cancer. But long-term storage of commercial tea brands destroy catechins.
March 19, 2009, (Sawf News) - Green tea leaves produce antioxidant organic compounds called catechins that reportedly have beneficial health effects, such as fighting bacteria, viruses and cancer. But long-term storage of commercial tea brands destroy catechins.
Because tea generally does not spoil, it can be stored for extended periods. However, catechins in commercial tea leaves may not remain stable during long-term storage in the solid state.
For the study, tea bags were stored in their original containers in the dark at room temperature for time periods ranging from one week to six months.
“Degradation of catechins in commercial tea leaves during a storage time of six months in warehouses, stores or even the home could adversely impact tea’s potential health benefits,” say the researchers. Even in the absence of moisture, the quality of teas may degrade with time.
The researchers added that different tea varieties are harvested in different ways and at different times of the year, which might affect their catechin content.
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