Tea contains high levels of specific organic compounds known as polyphenols, which are very potent antioxidants. Antioxidants play an important role in maintaining health by preventing free radicals (unstable molecules) from causing damage to cells which can lead to disease, aging, and cancer. Similar to the way oxidation causes cars to rust, oxidative stress on a cellular level can damage DNA and has been linked to the onset of illnesses such as cancer and heart disease. Antioxidants prevent free radicals, the unstable molecules that result from oxidation, from damaging cells.

Researchers have discovered that green tea contains 200 times the antioxidant levels as vitamin E, making it 25 times more effective at neutralizing free radicals. Tea’s antioxidant capacity may also be 100 times more effective than vitamin C. In fact, tea appears to contain some of the most potent disease-fighting substances found in food.