Studies have gone to show that green tea is a “super antioxidant” which benefits the entire body, including the eyes. Eyes are susceptible to oxidative stress, so any antioxidant could have ocular benefits. One of the key ingredients in tea is a polyphenol which is an anti-oxidant that also reduces inflammation. Catechins, also present in green tea are highly absorbable by the eye tissues, unlike many antioxidants.
Why are Antioxidants Important?
Antioxidants are crucial to vision health. The eye contains many small structures, such as retina, macula, tiny blood vessels, optic nerve, muscles and other microscopic tissues. These parts of the eye are extremely sensitive to oxidation, and since vision is an important part of our daily lives. Even slight damage can reduce the vision or cause even blindness. Free radicals can damage all tissues in the body. These roving extra radicals are the by-product of extra oxidation processes. Oxidative stress is a trigger and may cause many diseases. Poor diet, smoking and lack of exercise increase free radicals. Therefore, antioxidants that can counteract free radicals can significantly reduce the risk of age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal occlusion, and retinal nerve disorders.
Polyphenols in Green tea
Green teas most health-boosting ingredient is the “polyphenols.” They are imperative to reduce the inflammation, destroy free radicals, and support signals between cells. When you consume polyphenols, they get broken down into phenols which are small molecules. They are processed by the liver and passed on to the tissues. These are highly beneficial to many tissues in the body.
Catechins in Green Tea
Green tea is rich in a chemical which is similar to polyphenols called ‘catechins.’ Readily absorbed, Catechins are dissolved by the digestive systems and passed to the eyes. Green tea epigallocatechin has been shown to protect the retina from hydrogen peroxide damage and ultra-violet B light.