Plain loose-leaf tea does not break an intermittent fast — and the fasted stomach is where its catechins absorb best. One crossover trial measured plasma EGCG 2.7 times higher on an empty stomach than with breakfast. Here is...

Catechins are a type of natural antioxidant found in various plants, but they're especially abundant in tea leaves. These chemicals belong to a larger group of compounds called flavonoids, which are known for their health-promoting properties.