Phytonutrients - 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

Food sources:

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Functions

Answer 3

• Anti-inflammatory
• Neurological health
• Cardiovascular health
• Joint health

Question 4

Anti-inflammatory:

Answer 4

Functions:
* 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.
Therapeutic uses:
* Asthma / eczema.
* Urticaria / hay fever.
* Anti-cancer.
* IBD.

Question 5

Neurological health:

Answer 5

Functions:
* Inhibits monoamine oxidase (the enzyme responsible for breaking down dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin).
Therapeutic uses:
* Parkinson’s (neuroprotective).
* Depression.
* Cognitive disorders.

Question 6

Cardiovascular health:

Answer 6

Functions:
* Improve cardiovascular health by:
o Acting as antioxidants (protects vascular endothelium).
o Lowering blood pressure and LDL-cholesterol.
o Increase nitric oxide production (inducing vasodilation).
o 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 7

Joint health:

Answer 7

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