Plenty of Americans drink green tea for its taste and mild caffeine content, but a new study has found that a substance found in the beverage – as well as in some dietary supplements – may help women stay healthy after menopause.

Called polyphenols, this class of compounds was found to reduce inflammation and improve bone health, in a study led by researchers at the Laura W. Bush Institute for Women’s Health at the Texas Tech University.

Scientists did not ask participants to drink green tea, however. Instead, the study’s 171 postmenopausal women were given daily vitamin supplements containing 500 milligrams of the substance. This amount is the equivalent of four to five cups of unsweetened green tea.

The research team found that after six months on such a regimen, participants displayed better bone health and fewer bloodborne markers of oxidative stress.

Polyphenols are known to act as an antioxidant, preventing highly charged ions called free radicals for damaging cell parts and fast-tracking both inflammation and the aging process.

Besides improving cellular and bone health, herbal supplements that contain green tea extract may improve mood and overall well-being.