Catechins and Epicatechins

Question 1

Catechins and Epicatechins

Answer 1

Catechins and epicatechins are flavonoids with strong antioxidant properties. They help to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals

Question 2

Catechins and epicatechins: Food Sources

Answer 2

• Tea green tea, oolong tea and black tea.
• Cocoa.
• Black grapes, berries,
  apples, pears, plums.
• Vinegar.

Question 3

Catechins and epicatechins:Functions

Answer 3

Anti-inflammatory
Neurological health
Cardiovascular health
Joint health

Question 4

Catechins and epicatechins:Anti-inflammatory

Answer 4

• Strong antioxidant action.
• Inhibit proinflammatory enzymes COX-1 and 5- lipoxygenase.
• Reduces histamine response by inhibiting the enzyme ‘histidine
  decarboxylase’ responsible for producing histamine from histidine.

Question 5

Catechins and epicatechins:Anti-inflammatory -Therapeutic Uses

Answer 5

• Asthma / eczema.
• Urticaria / hay fever.
• Anti cancer.
• IBD

Question 6

Catechins and epicatechins:Neurological Health

Answer 6

• Inhibits monoamine oxidase (the enzyme responsible for breaking down dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin).

Question 7

Catechins and epicatechins:Neurological health -Therapeutic Uses

Answer 7

• Parkinson’s (neuroprotective)
• Depression.
• Cognitive disorders.

Question 8

Catechins and epicatechins: Cardiovascular Health

Answer 8

• Improve cardiovascular health by:
  ‒ Acting as antioxidants (protects vascular endothelium)
  ‒ Lowering blood pressure and LDL cholesterol.
  ‒ Increase nitric oxide production (inducing vasodilation)
  ‒ Epicatechins ↓ insulin resistance by mimicking insulin.
• 640 ml / d purple grape juice or 4-5 cups / d of black tea improves endothelium dependent vasodilation.

Question 9

Catechins and epicatechins: Joint Health

Answer 9

• Green tea polyphenols lessen joint degeneration in osteo and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Protects cartilage by inhibiting proteoglycan and collagen breakdown.