Everything You Need to Know About Green Tea

I am in love with green tea, and lately, I have been playing around with different combination for both internal consumption and facials.  After quite a bit of research, I found out that green tea is much more complex than we think, with maybe a potential down side for some.

First of all, green tea and black tea (and white tea and oolong tea) are all from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The processing method after the leaves have been picked is what distinguished these types of teas. Both black tea and oolong tea under going a fermentation process where they are oxidized, hence the dark color and stronger flavor. Both green and white tea is not, hence the fresh vibrancy of the green leaf is retained and the taste is softer.  White tea is actually very young tea leaves that are not subjected to fermentation. Green tea is usually older leaves and contains less caffeine than the younger leaves but some companies may use either the young or old leaves and still call it "green". 

6 Reasons  Why You Could Drink Green Tea All Day Long:

Green tea is particularly rich in epigallocatechin, a type of flavonoid of antioxidant properties. This flavonoid, which we love dearly for its ability to prevent the formation of free radicals, is also known for:

•  helping in weight loss, 
•  lowering cholesterol levels
•  reducing blood pressure
• its caffeine level, which is generally less than that of coffee, giving you just enough caffeine to inhibit the neurotransmitter adenosine--a depressant naturally produced throughout the day to promote sleep. 
• inhibiting adenosine, which allows the brain to concentrate and focus! 
• being packed with bioactive compounds-- green tea is packed with minerals (potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and manganese) and vitamins (B2, C, and carotene).

We now have 6 reasons to drink green tea all day ....or maybe not...

The Hidden Drawbacks to Green Tea: 

The only potential concern with Green tea is that its epigallocatechin levels inhibit the absorption of fatty acids--hence why it is highly recommended for those dieting-- which are critical for cell development and brain function. Inhibiting the absorption of these lipids is what also helps with lowering cholesterol, certainly benefit those with high cholesterol.

Suppressing adenosine can negatively affect its critical role in the heart where it helps increase the diameter of the blood vessels to facilitate blood flow and subsequently reduce risks of a blood clot.

Green tea has its benefits but drinking too much of it may not be the best thing for everyone--but then again, who drinks more than 10  cups a day? If you are concerned, you can alternate green tea with an herbal tea à la ACV (recipe below). You still will get:

• the cholesterol reducing effects (without affecting the absorption of fatty acids)
• the weight loss effects
• the energy boosting effects (sans caffeine)
• plus a lot more due to the bio-active compounds in ACV and of course from you herbal tea. 

Herbal Tea à la ACV (apple cider vinegar):

Ingredients-

3 cups of water

1 herbal* tea bag of your choice

2-3 teaspoons organic apple cider vinegar (with the mother)

1 tablespoon of organic raw honey

Directions: Let the tea steep for about 10-15minutes. Add the vinegar and honey and shake well. You may have to use a spoon to help the honey dissolve. 

*If green tea is not a concern for you, then you can replace the herbal tea with green tea. It is absolutely beautiful. It tastes like a citrusy tropical fruit.

Green Tea Tonic Recipe for the Face

=> Make the above tea using green tea. Set aside 1 oz for your face. 

=> Splash your face with warm water. Remove makeup and grime with our Botanical Cleansing Elixir. 

=> Take a cotton swab and dip it into the tea then apply on your face in an upward circular motion. 

=> Let tea set into your skin for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. 

This tonic will balance your pH, remove dead skin cells, tighten pores and nourish your epidermis, leaving it soft and firm! 

Enjoy!