Brewed tea eclipses bottled varieties on polyphenols
Comparing brewed and bottled tea, scientists have discovered that home-made versions have more antioxidants than bottled ones. The experiment found that brewed tea contains between 50 and 150 mg of polyphenols, whereas bottled tea holds anywhere from 81 to 3 mg of polyphenols per 16oz. (500ml) unit. Researchers say that polyphenol content in bottled teas is extremely variable and low due to added sugar and high dilution, in an attempt to keep bitterness and astringency low. Authors of the study warn that polyophenol levels on labels of bottled teas may not be correct because of lack of government regulations for measuring and listing the compounds.