Vitamins
Black tea contains small amounts of vitamins that are considered essential for remaining healthy:
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Carotene is an antioxidant and has protective properties |
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Vitamins B1 and B2 help release energy from food |
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Nicotinic acid and panthothenic acid release energy from lipids and carbohydrates |
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Vitamin C helps to maintain a healthy immune system |
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Vitamin B6 helps with metabolism of proteins |
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Folic acid helps with cell division |
The average daily intake of tea provides
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9% of the daily requirement of Vitamin B1 |
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25% of the daily requirement of Vitamin B2 |
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6% of the daily requirement of Vitamin B6 |
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10% of the daily requirement of Folic Acid |
Tea is a rich source of two essential minerals: manganese and potassium
Manganese is essential for bone growth and the body's development. 5-6 cups of tea a day provides 45% of the daily requirement.
Potassium is essential to maintain a healthy heart beat. It helps nerves and muscles function properly and helps regulate fluid levels within cells. 5-6 cups of tea a day provides 75% of the daily requirement.
Oxygen in the air is partially incorporated into
free radicals which are very reactive. They cause damage to cells and have
been connected to heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants help to repair
the cells that are damaged by free radicals. The best known antioxidants
are vitamins A, C and E and flavenoids.