Green Tea!

I have always been a fan of green tea. For quite some time, I had one every morning (I’m not a coffee person). But unbeknownst to me, there were more uses for green tea than just a drink. Turns out green tea is not only a good source of antioxidants. It has a number of other health and skin benefits that I will share with you in this post. But first, what exactly is green tea?

Derived from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, green tea has been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine for centuries but only recently gained popularity in the US. It is made from unoxidized Camellia Sinensis plant leaves and is one of the less processed types of tea containing the most antioxidants. Green tea is loaded with nutrients and plant compounds that can have positive health effects.

There are numerous studies around the health benefits of green tea. It has been shown to improve blood flow and lower cholesterol. Green tea also has been shown to have a calming effect. A natural chemical called theanine found in green tea can provide a calming effect. However, there are many skin benefits to green tea as well. It contains a powerful antioxidant called EGCG that fights DNA damage from UV rays. That means it's also a potent anti-aging ingredient that combats signs of aging when ingested or applied topically. Green tea also has anti-inflammatory properties and reduce irritation, redness, and swelling, thanks to its high content of polyphenols called catechins. It is powerful antibacterial agent for treating acne and unclogging pores. Polyphenols in green tea damage bacterial membranes and fight against infection, meaning that it’s a useful tool for treating bacterial growth that causes acne. It helps kill systemic bacterial inflammation for smoother, toned skin. Green tea is chock full of Vitamin B2 and Vitamin E, both essential for skin health maintenance. B2 plays an essential role in maintaining collagen levels for youthful skin structure and firmness. Vitamin E supports new skin cell growth and also acts an intense hydrator for soft and nourished skin.

Besides as a hot or cold tea, green tea can be incorporated into your skin care routine. To take advantage of its many benefits, after your morning hot green tea empty the tea leaves from the used bag and apply to your skin. Under the eyes is a great place to start! How have you made use of your green tea bags? 

References:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269538.php

https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/health-benefits-of-green-tea#1

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea

Photo:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea