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John (bird whisperer)
molecules-and-muses: Tea is the second most popular drink in the world, and the health benefits of this beverage have been touted since ancient times. Science has generated a body of evidence suggesting that regular consumption of green tea can help to prevent obesity and even some forms of cancer. The key molecules involved are catechins,... - http://dendroica.tumblr.com/post...
molecules-and-muses:
  
Tea is the second most popular drink in the world, and the health benefits of this beverage have been touted since ancient times. Science has generated a body of evidence suggesting that regular consumption of green tea can help to prevent obesity and even some forms of cancer. The key molecules involved are catechins, polyphenolic compounds with tremendous antioxidant properties. Shown here is the structure of epigallocatechin gallate, which accounts for 50-80% of the catechins present in green tea. In black teas, the process of fermentation oxidizes catechins into theaflavins or theagrubins, polymerized catechins. In oolong tea, which is only partially fermented, theaseninsens are formed, dimers of catechin molecules. For a breakdown of tea chemistry, check out this review.