Green tea originates from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and undergoes minimal processing. It has its origins in China during the reign of Emperor Shennong and is commonly produced in various Asian countries. Unlike fermented teas, green tea leaves are cleaned and then steeped in hot water for hours to extract the essence from the tea.
One of the key components that make green tea highly effective is polyphenols. Polyphenols are diverse molecules known for their health-protective properties. They not only help prevent inflammation and protect joint cartilage but also aid in reducing degeneration and boosting immunity. Moreover, polyphenols can inhibit the growth of abnormal cells in the cervix, contributing to preventing related diseases.
Additionally, green tea contains 2–4% caffeine, which has positive effects on cognition and alertness. If you need to focus for a productive work session, a cup of green tea can enhance your efficiency.
The health benefits of green tea include:
- Preventing cancer: Its antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals, thereby preventing the development of cancerous tumors.
- Cardiovascular health: Proper consumption of green tea reduces levels of bad cholesterol in the body, benefiting individuals with heart conditions.
- Preventing tooth decay and reducing dark circles: Green tea’s active compounds inhibit bacterial growth, making it a common ingredient in toothpaste. Drinking green tea helps prevent tooth decay and bad breath. Its ability to constrict blood vessels under the eyes makes it an excellent remedy for dark circles. Additionally, the caffeine and tannins in green tea reduce water retention in tissues, reducing darkness and puffiness around the eyes. If you suffer from dark circles due to staying up late, soak a cotton pad in green tea and apply it to your eyes. I’m sure you’ll be amazed at the effectiveness of this leaf.
- Boosting immunity and bone health: The fluoride in green tea supports stronger bones. Daily consumption of green tea also enhances immunity and resistance to diseases.
- Skincare: EGCG, a compound in green tea, maintains skin elasticity and prevents aging. Drinking green tea provides natural beauty benefits from within.
- Preventing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s: Besides temporarily improving brain function, green tea reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s due to its catechin compounds.
The method that Asians often use to maintain a youthful appearance with green tea leaves
- Drink no more than 200ml of green tea daily.
Consume green tea after meals to avoid stomach irritation. You can brew a pot in the morning and drink it throughout the day. Avoid drinking close to bedtime to prevent sleep disturbances. Fresh tea leaves are preferable over dried ones, as drying reduces EGCG content. - Drinking green tea while combining with exercise to enhance fat burning effectively.
When the body consumes green tea, it maximizes energy utilization, so combining it with exercise will effectively reduce fat. Additionally, drinking green tea before exercising will uplift your spirits and improve your performance. - Using green tea leaves as an effective skincare toner.
The caffeine in green tea helps “awaken” the skin, bringing it to a healthy state. Making a green tea face mask is also quite simple; you can follow three methods:
Method 1: Boil tea leaves to extract the essence, then collect a certain amount of tea water. Pour it into a bottle and store it in the refrigerator to use as a toner, which is excellent for refreshing the skin.
Method 2: Infuse tea leaves for several hours. This method takes more time, but it yields purer water and longer preservation.
Method 3: Wash fresh tea leaves, dry them, and grind them into powder. After obtaining the product, store it in a clean jar in a dry place. Every week, take out some and mix it with unsweetened yogurt, then apply it to your face for 10 minutes. Your skin will be significantly improved.
- Bathe in green tea for healthy skin.
Boil tea leaves and dilute the solution to soak in for five minutes daily. This method effectively treats skin conditions like rashes, itching, and enlarged pores. Mixing green tea powder with shower gel is a simpler alternative, improving skin tone, reducing sunburn, and promoting skin recovery.
Conclusion
Green tea is a natural wonder bestowed by nature. With its affordability and accessibility, there’s no reason not to incorporate it into your routine. Its skincare benefits have been cherished for centuries, particularly by Asian women who maintain a youthful appearance even in their 50s. I, too, use it daily for its remarkable benefits.
