Drinking green tea as well as hot cocoa is a great way to supply the body with a good dose of flavonoid antioxidants. Exactly what are flavonoids? They are one of the more powerful free radical scavengers found in food. Green tea flavonoids are one of the reasons that this tea is considered an anti-aging drink. Cocoa flavonoids make a good old cup of hot chocolate a natural anti-aging beverage as well. While both are some of the best sources, which anti-aging drink is more potent?
What are Flavonoids?
Flavonoids are what plants naturally produce to defend themselves from damage on the cellular level, as well as from bacterial and parasitic attack. They are a type of antioxidant in that they guard the body from free radical damage, but they also act as metal chelators. Among the many studies that tout the benefits of flavonoids is a Norwegian study reported in the Journal of Nutrition in 2009. Researchers in Oslo found that aging men and women who consumed flavonoid-rich foods, namely chocolate, wine, and tea, had better cognitive abilities when tested.
These compounds are extremely powerful, thus their popularity among health enthusiasts. In fact, they offer much more protection for the body than nutrient antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, or beta carotene. The class of flavonoid antioxidants in itself includes thousands of unique chemical compounds.
Aside from green tea flavonoids and cocoa flavonoids, there are many natural foods sources that should be part of a healthy, and inherently anti-aging diet. Red wine, which could also be considered as an anti-aging drink, is a good source as well as:
- broccoli
- tomatoes
- soybeans
- onions
- apples
- blueberries
Green Tea Flavonoids
There are several different types of flavonoids in green tea — catechins, including epicatechin and epigallocatechin, theaflavins and thearubigins (which are found in higher amounts in black tea) and flavonols. The presence of these compounds has given green tea the reputation as an anti-aging drink. Drinking green tea is believed to help lower cholesterol levels and protect the heart. Some of the green tea flavonoids have antimicrobial properties, helping to suppress bacterial infections in the body. It is also thought that these antioxidants help to inhibit cancer growth.
While there are factors that contribute to the concentration of flavonoid antioxidants in one cup of green tea, such as the quality and processing of the leaves, green, and all other teas are considered to be one of the best sources of flavonoids. According to the Linus Pauling Institute of Oregon State University, one serving has anywhere from 24 to 216 mg of one type of flavonoids, the flavonols. This does not include the amount of catechins and other flavonoids.
Cocoa Flavonoids
Cocoa flavonoids include flavonols and procyanidins. These antioxidants have been shown to protect the health of the heart and blood vessels from damage, much like green tea flavonoids. They help to protect cell DNA from damage and help to reduce inflammation. Like green tea, cocoa is one of the best sources of these beneficial compounds. The Linus Pauling Institute reports a 100 g serving of dark chocolate to have from 43 to 63 mg of flavonols as well as 90 to 322 mg of proanthocyanidins.
While a cup of hot cocoa is potentially a potent anti-aging drink, it is important to keep in mind the fact that processed cocoa and chocolate is going to have fewer antioxidants. As a general rule, dark chocolate is healthier than milk or white chocolate. Also, minimally-processed, organic cocoa will have the highest concentration of flavonoid antioxidants. The more bitter the cocoa, the better the anti-aging and heart-protective effect.
The Most Powerful Anti-Aging Drink
Green tea flavonoids, cocoa flavonoids — which beverage has more antioxidants? While specific amounts do vary depending on the quality of the tea leaves and of the cocoa, a study reported in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry in 2003 found that cocoa takes the cake. A cup of cocoa has more antioxidant activity than a cup of green tea, in fact as much as three times more. One of the researchers admitted to having believed green tea would prove to be the more potent anti-aging drink before the study was conducted.
Although cocoa may prove to have more activity, there is no reason to assume that green tea is any lesser of a beverage. Also, drinking hot chocolate usually involves a fair amount of milk and sugar, while green tea can be a pure, sugar and fat-free experience. So, do not give up the tea leaves, but don't hesitate to enjoy a steaming cup of cocoa once in awhile as well.
References:
Balch, Phyllis, CNC. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition." (The Penguin Group, 2006).
"Ahhh! Better Than Red Wine or Green Tea, Cocoa Froths with Cancer-preventing Compounds, Cornell Food Scientists Say." (Cornell University, December, 12, 2003).
Collins, Karen, R.D. " Is chocolate good for you?: Flavonoids in cocoa may protect the heart, but don't overdo it." (MSNBC Nutrition Notes, April, 15, 2005).
Brenna Coleman - Brenna is a freelance writer focusing on natural health and beauty. She has written hundreds of articles, helping readers find ways to ...
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