These days, you can’t walk into a store without encountering products of all kinds that contain green tea- including many skin care products. Some products claim the tea in skin products can help ward off skin cancer and signs of aging. While the amounts of green tea in these products vary, with indeterminate results, one thing the experts agree upon is that green tea is good for you.
Like black tea and oolong tea, green tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. Green tea, however, is not fermented before steaming and drying so its leaves remain fresh.
Of all the antioxidants known, the components of green tea are some of the most potent. Antioxidants counteract the effects of free radicals- byproducts of the body that can cause damage to cells and tissues. Antioxidants bind to the free radicals, deactivating them before they can cause harm.
Green, black, and oolong teas, contain large quantities of polyphenols. Polyphenols, which are a class of bioflavinoids, have been shown to have antioxidant, anticancer, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.
Most of the polyphenols in green tea are catechins. Catechins, which are antioxidants by nature, have also been shown to function as anti-inflammatory and anticancer agents. One of the major catechins in green tea has been shown to be the most effective agent against skin inflammation and cancerous changes in the skin.
Matcha green tea, a powdered green tea, is 10x higher in antioxidants than green or black tea. Because matcha is actually ground up whole leaves, you get dietary fiber and chlorophyll which does not come out in brewed teas.
Try this simple iced latte recipe to enjoy the benefits of adding green tea to your diet.
Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte Recipe
- 1 tsp matcha green tea powder (available at most health food stores)
- 1 1/4 cup milk (or alternative milk product like almond, coconut, hemp or rice milk)
- 1/4 cup warm water
- Natural sweetener of your choice (Stevia, honey, agave, or organic maple syrup)
Mix a ¼ cup of warm water with the green tea powder to create a thick paste. Add the natural sweetener and matcha paste to the milk. Mix well and serve over ice. Enjoy!
