Green Tea Can Be Your Skins Savior!
Written by Aoife Joyce   
Sunday, 13 December 2009 09:51
The answer is YES! Did you know that Green Tea has been named 'The Skin Tea'? This name has been proudly stamped on it on account of its abilities to improve the skins overall appearance. Would you be happy to enjoy youthful, revitalized, clear skin? Continue reading and you will soon realize the degree to which your skins future health is 'in the tea leaves'.
by AoifeJoyce


The answer is YES! Did you know that Green Tea has been named 'The Skin Tea'? This name has been proudly stamped on it on account of its abilities to improve the skins overall appearance. Would you be happy to enjoy youthful, revitalized, clear skin? Continue reading and you will soon realize the degree to which your skins future health is 'in the tea leaves'.

Green Tea is said to have originated in China over 4,000 years ago. The tea is made from leaves taken from the pretty plant that is known as Camelia Sinensis. The leaves are prepared by the method of steaming. This steaming method allows the very important antioxidants to remain in their original and best state. The said antioxidants, are scientifically known as catechins polyphenols. The main and most beneficial of these is, in diminutive terms EGCG. EGCG is said to be the most influential of the antioxidants, as it has such vast effects on the body 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.

Four Things Your Skin Will Love

A statement released by Harvard Medical School declares that "in test tubes, catechins (antioxidants) are more powerful than Vitamin C and E in halting oxidative damage to cell". In reality, EGCG catechins are a massive 100 times more valuable to you than Vitamin C and 25 more efficient than Vitamin E is.

One cup of Green Tea produces 10-40mg of catechins, which has a greater antioxidant effect than a serving of broccoli, spinach, carrots and even 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.

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