Theaflavin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Theaflavin |
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Preferred IUPAC name
3,4,5-Trihydroxy-1,8-bis[(2R,3R)-3,5,7-trihydroxy-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-2-yl]-6H-benzo[7]annulen-6-one
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InChI
InChI=1/C29H24O12/c30-11-3-17(32)15-8-21(36)28(40-23(15)5-11)10-1-13-14(7-20(35)27(39)25(13)26(38)19(34)2-10)29-22(37)9-16-18(33)4-12(31)6-24(16)41-29/h1-7,21-22,28-33,35-37,39H,8-9H2,(H,34,38)/t21-,22-,28-,29-/m1/s1
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| Molar mass | 0 g mol-1 |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) | |
Theaflavin (TF) and its relatives, called theaflavins, are natural compounds found in black tea. They are a type of polyphenol, which are special chemicals that act as antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect your body's cells from damage.
Theaflavins are what give black tea its reddish color. They are also part of a larger group of compounds called thearubigins.
Contents
What are Theaflavins?
Theaflavins are a group of natural substances. They are made when tea leaves are processed to become black tea. These compounds are important for the taste and color of black tea.
How are Theaflavins Made?
Theaflavins are created from smaller molecules called flavan-3-ols. This happens during a process called enzymatic oxidation. This process takes place in the tea leaves after they are picked. It is often incorrectly called "fermentation" in the tea world.
The main types of theaflavins include:
- Theaflavin-3-gallate
- Theaflavin-3'-gallate
- Theaflavin-3-3'-digallate
What Do Theaflavins Do?
Scientists are studying the many ways theaflavins might affect our bodies.
Theaflavins and Your Health
Some research suggests that theaflavins found in black tea could have several benefits. For example, they are being studied for their use in cosmetics to help whiten skin. They are also being researched for how they might help with weight management by affecting how the body handles fats.
Scientists are still looking into how well theaflavins can act as antioxidants. This means they are studying how these compounds might help protect our cells.
