Does green tea contain flavanols?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Green tea is a rich source of flavanols, a group of naturally occurring plant compounds known as polyphenols. Specifically, green tea contains catechins—including EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate)—which are among the most studied flavanols for their antioxidant properties.

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Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

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Explanation

Green tea is rich in natural compounds called flavanols, which belong to a broader group known as polyphenols. These compounds are known for their antioxidant properties. According to the references, green tea contains various types of catechins, which are specific types of flavanols.

Key Points:

Catechins in Green Tea: The main catechins found in green tea include epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is particularly abundant and is often highlighted for its potential health benefits.
Extraction and Consumption: The way green tea is processed and prepared can affect the levels of flavanols. For example, microwave-assisted water extraction can influence the amount of these compounds extracted into the tea.
Health Implications: Flavanols are studied for their potential health benefits, including antioxidant effects, which may help protect cells from damage. If you're experiencing specific symptoms or health concerns and want to learn more about what might be affecting you, try Ubie's free AI symptom checker for personalized health insights.

In summary, green tea is a good source of flavanols, particularly catechins, which are studied for their health-promoting properties.

(References)

Henning SM, Fajardo-Lira C, Lee HW, Youssefian AA, Go VL, & Heber D. (2003). Catechin content of 18 teas and a green tea extract .... Nutrition and cancer, 12881018.
Graham HN. (1992). Green tea composition, consumption, and polyphenol .... Preventive medicine, 1614995.
Nkhili E, Tomao V, El Hajji H, El Boustani ES, Chemat F, & Dangles O. (2009). Microwave-assisted water extraction of green tea .... Phytochemical analysis : PCA, 19609884.

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