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In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind tea polyphenols, how these compounds behave in tea concentrates and premade adaptogenic drinks, and why freshly brewed tea, including our chai blends and adaptogenic mixes, offers the best health benefits.
Tea is rich in polyphenols, natural compounds with potent antioxidant properties. These antioxidants are linked to numerous health benefits, including improved heart and brain function, and even enhanced gut health. Specifically, tea contains flavonoids such as catechins (especially in green tea) and the aflavins (particularly in black tea), both of which are key contributors to tea’s health-promoting effects.
Some of the proven benefits of polyphenols include:
However, these powerful antioxidants are delicate and vulnerable to environmental factors. So, what happens to them when tea is processed into chai concentrates or premade adaptogenic drinks?
Studies have shown that polyphenols, once released into a solution, are **highly sensitive** to environmental conditions such as:
Despite the claims of many premade products, studies confirm that freshly brewed tea retains significantly more polyphenols compared to bottled or processed tea drinks.
When comparing different types of tea, it’s important to note that green tea polyphenols are more stable than black tea polyphenols [3]. Green tea contains higher concentrations of catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is known for its strong antioxidant activity. However, despite its relative stability, even green tea polyphenols degrade over time.
Black tea, which undergoes a fermentation process during production, contains theaflavins and thearubigins, which are less stable than the catechins in green tea. Research shows that black tea polyphenols degrade faster than those in green tea, particularly in premade solutions where exposure to light and oxygen accelerates this process.
A study published on the stability of tea polyphenols found that green tea polyphenols are more resilient, but still break down when stored in liquid form for extended periods. Therefore, even though some premade drinks may contain green tea, their antioxidant content is likely to be lower than freshly brewed green tea.
Some manufacturers have tried to address the degradation issue through encapsulation, which coats polyphenols with a protective layer to delay oxidation and degradation. While encapsulation can extend the shelf life of polyphenols, it is not a perfect solution [4].
Once the polyphenols are released from their encapsulated state, they are still subject to the same factors—light, heat, and pH—that cause degradation in non-encapsulated tea. As a result, even encapsulated polyphenols in chai concentrates or adaptogenic drinks do not retain the same level of antioxidants as freshly brewed tea.
Thus, while encapsulation may be a promising strategy for improving the shelf stability of commercial tea drinks, it doesn’t fully replicate the health benefits of fresh brewing.
Beyond the chemical science of polyphenols, brewing tea the traditional way offers mental and emotional benefits that you can’t get from grabbing a premade chai concentrate or adaptogenic drink. The ritual of steeping tea, especially chai, has long been practiced as a way to center oneself and create moments of calm and mindfulness.
At Herbs & Kettles, we embrace this age-old tradition through our handcrafted chai mixes like Masala Chai, Saffron Chai, Rose Cardamom Chai, Cocoa Chai, and Vanilla Lavender Chai. These blends, made with carefully selected natural real spices and premium single-origin Assam black teas, invite you to slow down and savor each cup.
Similarly, our Spiced Adaptogen Latte, Calming Golden Latte, and Wild Cinnamon Latte are designed to offer a grounding, holistic experience. These adaptogenic lattes combine functional herbs like turmeric, ashwagandha, and cinnamon to support wellness while embracing the ritualistic practice of brewing. We believe that the act of preparing these drinks, along with the rich flavors and natural ingredients, adds to their overall health benefits.
While tea concentrates and premade adaptogenic drinks offer the convenience of quick preparation, they fall short when it comes to delivering the full range of health benefits found in freshly brewed tea. Polyphenols degrade quickly once they are released into a liquid, and environmental factors such as light exposure, temperature, storage duration, and pH levels only accelerate this process.
Even efforts to improve the stability of polyphenols through techniques like encapsulation do not fully prevent the loss of antioxidant power. Furthermore, the emotional and mental benefits of traditional tea brewing—such as mindfulness and a connection to the act of preparing your tea—cannot be replicated by premade products.
For the best experience in both health and flavor, we recommend brewing tea the traditional way. Each cup of freshly brewed chai is rich in polyphenols, full of flavor, and provides a moment of calm that no premade drink can match.
At Herbs & Kettles, we are committed to crafting high-quality, single-origin teas that are rooted in tradition and wellness. Our chai mixes and adaptogenic teas are designed to be prepared fresh, ensuring that you receive the full benefits of the tea and spices without any shortcuts.
With blends like our Masala Chai, which combines directly sourced single origin Assam black tea with warming spices, or our Vanilla Lavender Chai, which brings together the soothing notes of lavender with the richness of real vanilla bean, each cup offers a unique experience. And for those looking for adaptogenic wellness, our Calming Golden Latte, made with turmeric and ashwagandha, is a delicious way to support relaxation and overall health.
When you choose Herbs & Kettles, you’re choosing flavor-forward, wellness-focused teas that promote both physical health and emotional well-being. Our chai and adaptogenic mixes are not only delicious but also created with mindfulness at their core, offering you the perfect balance of wellness and tradition.
Tea is more than just a drink—it’s a wellness practice, a daily ritual, and a source of powerful antioxidants. By choosing freshly brewed tea over premade alternatives like tea concentrates and adaptogenic drinks, you’re not only protecting your health but also embracing a time-honored tradition.
At Herbs & Kettles, we are proud to offer high-quality, single-origin teas that deliver the full spectrum of benefits. So, next time you crave a cup of chai, take a moment to brew it fresh and enjoy the full range of health benefits and the meditative process that comes with it.
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