Australians consider the intake of antioxidants as a vital component of a healthy diet, yet nearly half (49 per cent) of people aged 18 to 64 years are confused about the different types of antioxidants that exist and their actual benefits.
A Newspoll study commissioned by Lipton Green Tea was undertaken to gauge Australians understanding of antioxidants, their health benefits and intake and the study found six million Australian adults are unaware there are hundreds of different types of antioxidants or that many antioxidants have different health benefits in the body.
'Many foods and drinks such as green tea, citrus fruits, legumes and dark chocolate are sources of antioxidants; however, what many people don't realise is that not all antioxidants are the same. Different types of antioxidants have different health benefits in the body and for some antioxidants there is not yet much evidence which demonstrates a health benefit,' outlines leading nutritionist Catherine Saxelby.
'To give you an example, you can find anthocynanins in red wine, chlorogenic acid in coffee and flavonoid antioxidants in green tea. Each one of these substances is an antioxidant but all have different health benefits,' says Catherine.
Green tea naturally contains many good things, like flavonoid antioxidants. The health benefits of flavonoid antioxidants have been studied for many years.
'The new research reveals Australians believe green tea to be a good source of antioxidants, which is correct and good news,' comments Catherine.
'With summer right around the corner, people will be pleased to know drinking green tea may be nature's secret to help keep your shape as it contains virtually no calories or sugar. So why not switch your daily latte for a green tea and save around 180 calories a cup?'
- 75 per cent of Australians believe green tea is good for you and is a good source of antioxidants.
- Green tea can provide an important source of fluids and can contribute to the body's hydration levels - the US beverage guidelines rank tea as the next best drink to water.
Another reason why a few cups of tea a day may improve your health
In addition to the antioxidant benefits, research presented at the 3rd Tea Science Symposium also suggests that tea improves heart health because it plays an important role in helping to maintain healthy blood vessel function.
Green and black tea consumption may contribute to cardiovascular health by improving blood flow in the blood vessels. The amount of flavonoid antioxidants you would find in a cup of tea has also been shown to improve blood vessel function.
Dr Jane Rycroft, Nutrition Manager, at the Lipton Institute of Tea said, 'In recent years, more and more research from many different sectors has pointed to many health benefits of regular green tea consumption. This new study adds improved blood vessel function to the list. We are delighted to have supported this study and helped further our understanding of the role of tea in physical wellbeing.'
The studies were presented to healthcare professionals, nutritionists and researchers from across the region participating in the 3rd Tea Science Symposium: Focused Mind and Healthy Body - New Studies on Theanine and Tea Flavonoids hosted in Bangkok by the Lipton Institute of Tea.
Dr Sheila Wiseman, a researcher at the Lipton Institute of Tea, 'We recently performed a study, which demonstrated the blood vessel protection properties of tea and suggests that green tea may exert cardiovascular benefits in regular tea drinkers in real life.'
Tea is the second most consumed drink in the world after water, and is a major source of dietary flavonoid antioxidant intake in Australia.
