Green Tea found good for the skin!
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Researchers have recently discovered topical application of the healthy components of green tea may protect the skin from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays.
In fact, manufacturers have jumped on the green tea bandwagon and are marketing several different types of products containing green tea.
Green tea can be found as an ingredient in moisturizers cleansers, facial masks, body washes, eye creams, shampoos and conditioners and sunscreens. |
Researchers have found that the reason for such beneficial effects comes from the catechin known as epigallocatechin-gallate (ECGC), which is the main ingredient in green tea. When ECGC is applied to the skin, it inhibits inflammation and damage to DNA. It also stops the skin from burning after too much exposure to the sun.
Aging is a natural process that begins in the mid-20s. The production of collagen and elastin, two substances that give skin its firmness and elasticity, begins to decline. New skin cells turn over more slowly and dead skin cells remain on the surface for longer periods of time. People may start to notice fine lines and wrinkles, especially around the eyes, mouth and lips. The skin becomes thinner and more transparent. Fat pads under the cheeks shrink, causing the eyes to appear sunken and the cheeks more hollow.
The rate of natural skin aging varies and is determined by heredity. Some people start to show signs of aging in their 30's, while others keep their youthful looks much longer.
While genes play an important role in natural aging, external factors can also influence skin aging. One of the most damaging influences on the skin is exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays (a process called "photoaging"). Researchers have found sunlight breaks down collagen and interferes with the body's ability to make new collagen. The effects of the damage are cumulative, leading to the formation of freckles, age spots, spider veins, fine wrinkles, dry and leathery skin, skin blotches, actinic keratoses (rough, red scaly patches of skin that can turn into skin cancer) and, ultimately, skin cancer.
Green tea also contains epicatechin (EC), epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG) and epigallocatechin (EGC).
Aside from its benefits to the skin, researchers have linked consumption of green tea to a decreased risk for many different types of cancer (like breast, colorectal, liver, ovarian, pancreatic, skin, and stomach cancers). Some studies also suggest green tea may protect against cardiovascular disease and obesity, and may improve oral health, bone mineral density and brain function.
"Consequently, white teas usually contain higher concentrations of catechins than other teas," she says.
Catechins are a main component of tea and are thought to fight cancer and boost the immune system.
Green tea has a high catechin level, too, but can wither before it is steamed, which releases some of the beneficial catechins. Oolong and black teas ferment and lose most of the benefits, Higdon says. |
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A study by LPI researchers showed white tea may help prevent DNA mutations, the first stage of cancer.
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Pace University also studied the health effects of white tea and found it has a greater anti-viral and anti-bacterial effect than green tea.
The health benefit of white tea is the driving force behind its sales at the Whistling Kettle, Borowsky says.
"You have everything that green tea has and a little bit more," he says of white tea's antioxidant levels. |
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