Catechin

Catechins and epicatechins belong to the family of flavonoids. These compounds are abundant in predominantly in green tea as well as in some cocoas and chocolates. The largest source of catechins in the human diet are found in chocolates, wine, teas and vegetables.

Many studies on health benefits have been linked to the catechin content. According to Norman Hollenberg, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, epicatechin can reduce the risk of four of the major health problems: stroke, heart failure, cancer and diabetes. He believes that epicatechin should be considered essential to the diet and thus classed as a vitamin.

Green tea catechins have also been shown to possess antibiotic properties due to their role in disrupting a specific stage of the bacterial DNA replication process. Catechins also demonstrate antioxidant activities.