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Tea & Health
Glossary
A
B C
D
E
F
G
H I J K L
M N
O
P
Q R
S T
U V W X Y Z
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A
Alkaloids
Naturally occurring, nitrogen containing
compounds that are alkaline in solution. They usually have a bitter taste
and are characterized by powerful physiological activity. Examples are
nicotine and caffeine.
Antioxidant
A compound that retards oxidation.
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C
Caffeine
An
alkaloid found in tea and coffee that acts as a nerve stimulant and
diuretic.
Catechins
A
group of related polyphenolic compounds that occur in plants and are
darkened by the action of certain plant enzymes and oxygen an example of
browning of cut fruit and vegetables. Catechins can function as
antioxidants.
Cardiovascular
Concerning the heart and blood vessels.
Carcinogen
Any substance or agent that can produce a
cancer.
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D
Diuretic
An
agent that promotes increased excretion of urine.
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E
Electrophilic
ultimate carcinogens
Substances which can directly cause cancer by
reacting with genetic material (DNA) and related cell components. (Many
carcinogens, designated pro-carcinogens (q.v.), require conversion to the
ultimate carcinogen by reactions taking place in the cells of the
organism).
Epigallocatechin
Gallate (EGCG, ECG, EGC, EC)
A family of substances related to the
simple catechins which occur in green tea and which undergo browning
reactions during processing to black tea.
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F
Free
radical
A highly reactive substance which, in some circumstances
can lead to undesirable chemical changes in the body through oxidization,
e.g. hardening of the blood vessels and development of cancer.
Flavanoids,
flavanols, flavonol glycosides, flavandiols
Groups of related,
naturally occurring chemicals in plants. A number of substances in these
classes have anti-oxidant properties and many protect against deleterious
changes brought about by free radicals in the body.
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G
Gallic
acid
A plant polyphenolic that possess antioxidant
properties.
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L
Lipid
A
member of the family of fats which occur in living tissues either
structurally or for nutritional purposes.
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N
Nicotinic
acid
A water-soluble vitamin B complex.
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O
Oxygen
Symbol O. A colorless, odorless gas constituting
one-fifth of the atmosphere.
Oxidation
Changes that are brought about by
oxygen.
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P
Polyphenols
Compounds that contain several `phenol'
groups and have antioxidant properties.
Polyphenolic
components
Chemicals found in plants which have several groups
containing an oxygen and a hydrogen atom (called a phenol
group).
Procarcinogen
A substance capable of causing cancer but
only when metabolized to a more reactive compound.
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R
Riboflavin
Vitamin B2
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T
Theaflavins
Yellow colored polyphenols occurring in black
tea.
Thearubigins
Red/brown pigments produced in black
tea.
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