The Power That Green Tea Boasts
Did you know that Green Tea has been named ‘The Skin Tea’? It has been so named due to properties it holds that can do wonders for your skin. Is clear, youthful, invigorated skin something you could live with? Then do read on and you will discover just how “in the tea leaves” your skins future is!
Green Tea originates from China and dates back as far as 4,000 years ago. It is made from the dried leaves of the pretty plant that is Camellia Sinensis, a perennial evergreen shrub. The tea leaves are dried out using steam, which prevents destruction of the hugely important antioxidants found in this ‘skin tea’. These antioxidants are scientifically known as catechin polyphenols, the main catechin being in short terms EGCG. This EGCG takes prevalence over the rest as it has such vast effects on the body’s health as a whole.
Your skins cells have a lifecycle of just 28 days. It takes approximately 20 of those days for the new cells, created from stem cells, to reach the very surface of the skin, known as the epidermis. Shortly after reaching the surface of the skin, they lay there and are ready to die. However, amazingly, it has been shown that EGCG has reacted with these ‘dying’ cells and prompted them to begin renewing themselves. Knowing this amazing fact, it makes sense to assume that if the skins dying cells can re- divide and renew themselves, the skin will benefit hugely in look and feel. Due to this discovery Green Tea, has been given another powerful nickname, the ‘fountain of youth’.
A study released by Stanford University recently said that, via a volunteer group of Green Tea drinkers, the presence of EGCG in the tea verifies a diminished red vein look, reduction in pore sizes and refined skin. It also showed that EGCG can prevent the release of Histamine, which in turn lowers the skins sensitivity levels. This can have a diminishing effect on the presence of Acne Rosacea.
Other Facts You Should Know
Harvard Medical School announced that “in test tubes, catechins (antioxidants) are more powerful than Vitamin C and E in halting oxidative damage to cell”. In numerical terms, EGCG can massively be 100 times more assisting to you than Vitamin C and 25 times more helpful than Vitamin E.
One cup of Green Tea supplies 10-40mg of catechins, which supplies you with more antioxidants than a decent serving of spinach, broccoli, carrots and strawberries.
EGCG quenches Free Radicals, the ‘unpaired’ electrons that destroy cell membranes. Because of this, Green Teas antioxidants can work in conjunction with sun protection creams in saving the skin from UV radiation. It does not form a barrier; rather it kills off these free radicals when they enter the skin. Very interesting fact to know, considering that UV radiation is the cause of 90% of all signs of anti-aging.
Riboflavin, being one of the Vitamin B’s, can also be found in Green Tea and is responsible for repairing and protecting the cells of skin, hair and nails.
As you take in the above information, you will quickly recognize why Green Tea has been named ‘The Skin Tea’. In saying that, it’s not just your skin that benefits hugely from the abundance of antioxidants; your whole body can become healthier and stronger by introducing it into your diet. With its array of benefits, also comes a wonderfully zesty flavor and can be made even zestier by adding some fresh lemon juice , which also enhances its cancer battling potential.
If you are as eager as myself to learn loads more about Green Tea, this remarkable skin tea, and its multiple health advantages, click here learn how to make your own Chemical Free Green Teas!
