Do you know what is responsible for the taste, smell, and different shades of green tea? It’s called Tannin!
The tannins are compounds in almost all types of teas that come from the Camellia Sinensis plant which is also the base of green tea. They are a type of polyphenols with a bitter and astringent taste.
So, yes green tea does contain tannins.
Let’s see if they are good or bad, what are their benefits & side effects and how much tannins different types of tea contain.
Tannins In Green Tea
Green tea contains many beneficial compounds like catechins, caffeine, and polyphenols. These make it a nutrient-dense and useful tea that treats many ailments.
Just like these elements green tea also contains tannins. Tannins play the role of being the good guy and the bad guy both. How?
Tannins are a natural defense mechanism to protect plants from danger. To keep animals and living beings away from the plants, they produce tannins that give them a bitter taste and astringent nature.
Tannins in green tea act as a polyphenol and sometimes as antioxidants. Thus, providing a lot of benefits to the body.
9 Amazing Benefits of Tannins in Green Tea
Due to tannins acting as antioxidants and polyphenols, it provides several health benefits. Some of which are mentioned below.
1) Increase Brain Functions
The tannins are known to reduce inflammation and decrease oxidative stress. These two are factors that cause brain disorders.
Tannins are stress-reducing and anti-depressant. Therefore, good for taking in pregnancy to deal with fluctuating hormones.
Thus, drinking green tea increases brain functions and helps in reducing stress.
2) Cancer-Fighting Properties
Ellagitannin is a tannin in tea that helps in preventing the growth of cancer cells.
Due to its anti-oxidizing properties, it prevents the formation of cancerous cells and also eliminates other toxins from the body.
3) Balance Cholesterol Levels
The tannins in green tea have polyphenols which help in lowering the cholesterol in the body. They lower the bad cholesterol and help in making good cholesterol.
Thus, creates a balance in the body.
Therefore, drinking green tea daily can positively affect the cholesterols of an individual suffering from this condition.
4) Reduce Risk of Strokes
Two tannins flavonoids and procyanidins work towards the betterment of heart health. It improves the flow of blood in vessels and arteries.
This opens the clogged veins. Thus, reducing the risk of strokes. Therefore, good for heart health.
5) Fights Inflammation
One of the main tannins in green tea is EGCG. It plays a major role in fighting inflammation. Tannins in green tea help in preventing other diseases like diabetes, kidney infections, and cellular damage.
6) Antibacterial Properties
The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of tannins help in removing microbes and toxins from your body. It also makes the immune system stronger.
The tannins in green tea get rid of bacteria, fungi, etc. This helps with a lot of skin issues.
7) Prevent Iron Overdose
Although it’s a rare condition, uncontrolled absorption of iron by the body is called hemochromatosis.
This can get serious and lead to heart failure. Tannins help in preventing iron overdose and thus save lives.
8) Good For Oral Health
The antiseptic properties of tannins fight the bacteria in the mouth that creates cavities. When you drink green tea, it improves your oral health and prevents tooth staining.
Thus, green tea after meals with good oral hygiene prevents tooth enamel damage and cavities.
9) Helps In Digestion
Tannins in green tea create a diuretic effect in the body. This improves digestion, keeps your gut healthy, and relaxes the stomach muscles so that you can carry on your bowel activity with ease.
Therefore, the caffeine and tannins in green tea together create a laxative effect and help indigestion.
Tannins In Different Types of Tea
Tea leaves contain a high concentration of tannins. Due to this, the different type of teas that comes from the tea plant is rich in tannin levels.
1) Tannins In Black Tea
Black tea contains the most tannins. It goes through heavy processing, oxidation, and brewing.
This is the reason it is rich in tannins and has a blackish brew and high caffeine with a most bitter taste than other teas.
2) Tannins In Oolong Tea
After it with a little less amount comes types of green tea and oolong tea.
Oolong tea contains a smaller number of tannins than black tea. Due to this reason, it has a lighter color almost like green tea, and has a refreshing taste and aroma.
3) Tannins In White Tea
White tea has the lowest levels of tannins because of being less processed than others. It is made from the youngest tea leaves.
Therefore, it contains less caffeine and tannins and has a sweet taste and great brew.
Side Effects of Tannins
Tannins are often dreaded because if taken in excess they create side effects while drinking green tea. These are as follows.
1) Interfere In Absorbing Nutrients
Tannins can block the absorption of certain nutrients in the body. Iron is one of the vital nutrients that our body needs.
Drinking a lot of green tea can interfere in providing iron to the body. Thus, drinking green tea with meals is not the best time.
Eat Vitamin C-rich foods if you are consuming tannings and are anemic.
2) Mess With Digestion
An overdose of tannins can upset your stomach. It may interfere with the proper functioning of enzymes; this does not let the proteins break down in the body effectively.
Hence, mess with the digestive functions.
3) Migraines & Jaw Pain
Too much consumption of tannins can cause migraines and even jaw pain.
If you are a person with reoccurring headaches or trouble sleeping at bedtime, then check the tannins that you are consuming and avoid them.
Which Tea Has No Tannins?
Almost all types of teas have tannins but if you are looking for a tannin-free option then you can choose among the following teas.
- Herbal tea
- Ginger Tea
- Ginkgo biloba
- Ginseng, hibiscus
- Jasmine
- Rosehip
- Peppermint
- Rooibos
- Chamomile
Frequently Asked Questions
People asked these questions about tannins and we answered them for you shortly.
Are Tannins Safe to Consume During Pregnancy or When Breastfeeding?
Yes, tannins are safe to consume during pregnancy in moderate amounts. One or two cups of lightly brewed green tea are useful in this condition. On the other hand, excessive amounts can interfere in the absorption of iron, a vital nutrient.
How To Avoid Tannin in Tea?
You can reduce the number of consumed tannins in the body by eating Vitamin-C-rich foods. In addition, adding milk to your tea decreases the side effects of tannins.
Conclusion
Tannins are a source of nutrients and provide many benefits to the body. It does have some side effects but they mostly apply when taken in excessive amounts.
The positive effects of tannins out weight the downsides. Thus, tannins are there in all types of green tea. They are useful compounds that you should enjoy in your tea.
