WHAT ARE THEARUBIGINS?
Thearubigins are one of the many flavan-3-ols that can be found in black tea and are part of the phytonutrient family (a group of chemical compounds that occur naturally in plants and have multiple health benefits but are not considered essential to human health). In this article I will be providing a full overview of thearubigins.
WHEN WERE THEARUBIGINS DISCOVERED?
Theaurubigins and the other flavan-3-ols were first discovered and isolated in 1929 at the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research in Japan by Dr Michiyo Tsujimura.
HOW DOES YOUR BODY USE THEARUBIGINS?
The health benefits of thearubigins have not yet been fully confirmed. Research has revealed that they are powerful antioxidants which protect the body’s cells from damaging free radicals (harmful by-products of oxygen related reactions). Further preliminary research suggests that thearubigins may also have further health benefits but more research needs to be performed before these are confirmed. These potential health benefits of thearubigins are listed below:
– Possibly preventing cancer.
– Possibly reducing blood levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (a type of cholesterol which causes blockages in the artery walls and can increase your heart disease risk).
– Possibly treating diabetes (by mimicking the action of insulin).
HOW MUCH THEARUBIGINS DO YOU NEED?
Thearubigins are not considered essential to human health so no recommended daily allowance (RDA) has been established.
WHICH FOODS CONTAIN THEARUBIGINS?
As discussed above, thearubigins are mainly found in black tea with 100 grams (g) of this hot beverage containing 81.3 milligrams (mg). Green tea also contains smaller amounts of thearubigins with a 100g serving supplying 1.03mg of this nutrient.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GETTING TOO MUCH THEARUBIGINS?
Currently there are no reported overdose symptoms associated with consuming thearubigins.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF NOT GETTING ENOUGH THEARUBIGINS?
Thearubigins are not classed as an essential nutrient so there are no reported deficiency symptoms.
THEARUBIGINS SUMMARY
Although there is still a lot to learn about thearubigins, the early signs are positive. They can potentially protect against a number of damaging health conditions and also act as powerful antioxidants in the body. So next time you feel a little parched, pour yourself a cuppa and top up on this important phytonutrient.
Sources:
List of Phytochemicals in Food (Wikipedia)
What is Phytochemical? (Juicing For Health)
USDA Database for the Flavonoid Content of Selected Foods