Tea Knowledge: What are Green Tea Polyphenols? What is Catechin?

01. Definition of Green Tea Polyphenols:

Green Tea Polyphenols are a class of organic compounds found in tea leaves. Because they contain multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups, they are referred to as Green Tea Polyphenols in the tea industry. Green Tea Polyphenolsphenols is a general term for this class of substances.

02. Catechin's Status in Green Tea Polyphenols

Catechin is a specific substance in the larger family of Green Tea Polyphenolsphenols. It also contains multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups and belongs to the flavonoid class. Catechin accounts for 70%-80% of Green Tea Polyphenolsphenols, making it the primary class.

03. Classification and Proportion of Catechins

Catechins are classified into two types: complex (ester-type) and simple (non-ester-type). Complex catechins account for the majority, approximately 70%, while simple catechins make up a smaller proportion.

04. Reasons for Complex Catechin Formation

The formation of complex catechins requires energy. When plants face dangerous stressors, such as gnawing and biting by higher animals, damage from pathogens, and high temperatures, plant physiology and secondary metabolism drive the synthesis of more complex catechins.

In harsher environments, such as those characterized by high temperatures, low rainfall, strong sunlight, low precipitation, and high radiation, plants metabolize a large amount of sugars produced through photosynthesis into complex catechins to resist radiation, high temperatures, and dehydration.

05. The Impact of Simple Catechins on Tea Quality

In tea plants, simple catechins are more conducive to tea quality, resulting in a less bitter and mellower taste.

So, when evaluating the richness of a tea, it's not necessarily solely due to sugars and pectin; simple catechins can also be important factors. Complex catechins, on the other hand, have strong astringency and a bitter taste.

Applications

• Green Tea Polyphenols: Widely used in food preservation, cosmetics, and health supplements as natural antioxidants and preservatives.
• Catechins: Commonly used in the development of functional foods and pharmaceuticals, with particular research focused on cancer prevention and neurodegenerative disease intervention.

Summary:

Green Tea Polyphenols is a general term for polyphenols found in tea. Catechins are a core component of Green Tea Polyphenols, exhibiting potent antioxidant and other biological activities.

Both Green Tea Polyphenols and Catechins contribute to the primary health benefits of tea, but differ in their specific composition, functions, and applications.