Tea is one of a few food products known to contain significant levels of potent antioxidant called catechins. Scientists recently measured catechins in various black tea products including bags, instant iced tea mixes, bottled and herbal teas.

Catechins (pronounced CAT-eh-kins) belong to a loosely knit family known as flavonoids, which have been noted for their antioxidant activity.

Teas brewed from bags had the highest catechin content along with the highest caffeine content. However there was a twofold difference in catechin content among the 12 black teas tested. The highest levels were found in green tea, which has been touted for its healthy properties. The next highest levels were found in brewed regular tea with decaffeinated teas being significantly lower.

Instant tea mixes and bottled or herbal teas were found to be very low in catechins.

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