Chinese scientists have engineered the first “tea rice” enriched with the antioxidant compounds that make green tea a health-boosting drink.
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The rice has been fortified with the micronutrient catechin, and the researchers behind it say it can provide the health benefits of tea without any side effects from caffeine.
“Catechins, as key antioxidant components in tea plants with high content, offer certain benefits to human health,” the team said in a paper published in the peer-reviewed Plant Biotechnology Journal in March.
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2-metre ‘giant rice’ twice as tall as other varieties nearly ready for first harvest in China
2-metre ‘giant rice’ twice as tall as other varieties nearly ready for first harvest in China
Catechin flavonoids are a type of polyphenol – micronutrients that occur naturally in plants – shown to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and cardioprotective properties.
Catechins are thought to play a role in regulating blood pressure, aiding in weight loss, and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.
“These essential flavonoid phytonutrients are renowned for their pivotal role in bestowing the unique health benefits associated with tea plant consumption,” the team said.
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Catechins make up around 15 to 30 per cent of the dry weight of tea, with particularly high levels found in green tea as it does not undergo the same oxidation process that black tea does during processing.
While green tea contains these beneficial compounds, it also contains caffeine, which can cause people to experience symptoms like insomnia and heart palpitations, particularly when consumed in large amounts.