Table 1 The composition of tea
Composition of fresh, unprocessed leaves (dry weight) | Composition of water infusion, prepared from fresh unprocessed tea leaves (dry weight) |
|---|---|
Polyphenols 36% | Polyphenols:  Catechins 30%  Simple polyphenols 2%  Flavonols 2%  Other polyphenols 6% |
Carbohydrates 25% | Carbohydrates 11% |
Proteins 15% | Proteins 6% |
Theanine 4% | Theanine 3% |
Free amino acids 1–5.5% | Free amino acids 3% |
Fats 2% | Fats 3% |
Alkaloids:  Caffeine 3.5%  Theobromine 0.15–0,2%  Theophylline 0.02–0,04% | Alkaloids:  Caffeine 3%  Other methylxanthines <1% |
Organic acids 1.5% | Organic acids 2% |
Ash (inorganic compounds) 5% Lignin 6.5% Chlorophyll and other pigments 0.5% Carotenoids and volatiles <0.1% | Potassium 5% Other inorganic compounds 5% Volatiles (traces) |