Ingredient of the Week: Green Tea

Green tea is an ancient herbal drink that has been consumed for centuries and it is widely known for its variety of health benefits. For instance, green tea has been linked to treating and preventing conditions such as heart disease, skin aging, and weight loss.

Green tea’s medicinal properties come from flavonoid phytochemicals called polyphenols, also known as the natural plant compounds found in tea. Most of the polyphenols in green tea are known as catechins. Catechins, which naturally contain antioxidants, have also been shown to function as anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents. Many studies have linked green tea to protect against free radicals, infections, toxins and even cardiovascular damage.

There have been numerous studies that have linked green tea to having many skin and hair benefits. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, green tea applied topically to skin acted as a protectant against sun damage. In addition, another study published in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research suggested that green tea may also delay collagen aging which is why this green tea is present in some anti-aging skin care products.