Vitamins and Minerals in Green Tea

There are plenty of vitamins, minerals and amino acids to be found in all teas, but green tea sets itself apart from the others by also having a high concentration of Polyphenols and Tannins. These are the compounds that give green tea its wonderful health-giving benefits and antioxidant properties.

Mineral levels in green tea can vary and are normally determined by the region, soil condition and altitude of the tea garden in which it is grown.

As for vitamins, they are also affected to some degree by the growing conditions. For example, plants exposed to a lot of sunshine will tend to have a higher vitamin content than those grown in shadier areas. Even though there are so many factors which can ultimately give a tea leaf its very own unique biochemistry, there are a few vitamins and minerals that are common to nearly all of the green teas. These are:

Manganese

Manganese is a trace mineral only required in small amounts to promote protein and fat metabolism in the body. It also assists in regulating blood sugar levels and the production of cartilage and synovial joint fluid. It is also essential for reproductive function and normal physical growth. Manganese can easily be sourced from many foods, but tea is essentially one of the richest sources of this important mineral.

Potassium

The body uses potassium for maintaining a regular heartbeat and keeping the nerve system healthy. A deficiency in this mineral can result in body fatigue, acne, dry skin, insomnia, impaired reflexes and an irregular heartbeat. Potassium also assists the body in some important metabolic processes. It works with sodium to regulate the body's water balance and helps maintain stable blood pressure. Stress can increase the body's potassium requirements.

Vitamin A

There are plentiful amounts of this vitamin found in green tea. Amongst other things, Vitamin A is known to promote good eyesight, help maintain healthy teeth, soft tissue, mucous membranes and benefit the skin. When sourced from plants and vegetables, Vitamin A is often referred to as Beta-carotene. The body converts Beta-carotene into Vitamin A as required and its powerful antioxidant properties help to scavenge free radicals in the body.

Vitamin B1

Theamine (Vitamin B1) helps body cells convert carbohydrates into energy. It also assists in the proper functioning of the heart, muscles and nervous system. It is often referred to as the Morale Vitamin because of its beneficial effects on mental attitude. A deficiency of Theamine can cause weakness, fatigue and nerve damage. Although now very rare, BeriBeri is a result of prolonged absence of B1

Vitamin B2

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) works with other B vitamins in assisting the body in red cell production and promoting body growth. It also helps release energy, prevent skin lesions and assist in weight loss.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralise free radicals in the body. It's also necessary for the maintenance of normal connective tissue and promoting wound healing. It also may boost the body's ability to fight infection. It plays a major role in strengthening blood vessels and maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage, therefore it may retard premature ageing and degenerative disease. Its antioxidant properties also help protect the body's red blood cells and circulatory function. It is also necessary for all skeletal, cardiac and smooth muscle function.

Fluoride

The green tea plant is an excellent fluoride accumulator. Fluoride, found in its natural form in green tea, helps protect teeth from dental decay and strengthens tooth enamel.