6 Varieties of Green Tea: Add Them to your Diet for Countless Health Benefits

All green tea comes from the Camellia sinenis plant; however, teas come in many different flavors and aromas depending on where and how the individual leaves are grown. Throughout Asia, green tea is a common part of the daily diet. It is both enjoyed as a beverage and incorporated into various food preparations. Global medical studies have shown signficant health benefits of green tea. It reduces belly fat, lowers the risk of tooth decay, repairs DNA damage from UVB rays which decreases the risks of melanoma, and prevents stroke and lung cancer. Regular consumption of green tea can lower cholesterol and help prevent heart disease, while new research from the Hong Kong Eye Hospital suggests it may even protect against glaucoma. The beauty industry is also aware of the power of green tea and made it a key ingredient in many anti-aging formulations. Green teas is believed to slow the aging of cells and have rejuvenating properties when ingested or applied topically to the skin.

Below are descriptions of the six main green tea varieties. Enjoy them as a brew or consider these easy ideas for adding them to delicious and nutritious meals:

1. Matcha: A strong and grassy flavor. When the leaves are ground into a fine powder for tea, it delivers more antioxidants than other teas because you are consuming the actual leaves. Matcha green tea powder can be added to a smoothie or sprinkled over ice-cream as a nutrition-packed topping.

2. Dragon Well: A toasty flavor, with soft chestnut notes. Dragon Well tea is among the most popular teas in China. In cooking, the leaves are usually chopped and added to other spices. It works well as a rub on chicken or steak.

3. Sencha: A mild and lightly sweet flavor. These leaves are steamed in Japan and rolled into a needle form. It is one of the most popular drinking teas in Japan. Dried sencha leaves can be added to dough batter for green-tea infused cakes, cookies, and muffins for a dessert with nutrition as well as taste.

4. Gunpowder: A hearty flavor with a sweet finish. This tea is pan-fired and then tightly rolled into small pellet shapes. A cup of gunpowder tea is a good alternative to a traditional broth-base for vegetable soups.

4. Kukicha: A light, woodsy flavor. Commonly called “twig tea”, kukicha comes from thinly cut stalks of sencha and gyokuro leaves. It works wonderfully a seafood marinade and compliments sweet fishes, like halibut or scallops.

5. Hojicha: A toasted, nutty flavor. This tea is made from leaves which are roasted until they’re a dark brown color and picked at the end of the season. It contains lower levels of caffeine than other green teas. A cup of fully steeped hojicha tea can be poured over brown rice or roasted squash and finished with a sprinkle of chestnuts.

Early Egyptian Beauty

Long before there was a cosmetics counter, women were concerned about their appearance. Evidence of beauty products has been found in Egyptian tombs as far back as 4,000 BC and detailed cosmetic rituals are recorded in ancient Mesopotamian, Hebrew, Hittite, Greek and Roman literature. The Ebers Papyrus, a document which dates back to approximately 1500 B.C., even describes an anti-aging treatment made of honey, baking powder, salt and powdered alabaster. Some of the most beauty-conscious of our female ancestors were the women of ancient Egypt.

Egyptian women are known for their mysterious beauty. While this can be naturally attributed to their raven locks and sun-kissed skin, they also knew the power of personal grooming and pioneered early cosmetics and skincare. Since they lived in a sweltering desert, Egyptian women relied heavily on oils and fats to moisturize and keep their skin soft and supple. Duane W. Roller, Author of Cleopatra: A Biography (Oxford University Press) reported on the great Queen’s use of castor oil, palm oil, and various animal fats to protect and hydrate her skin. In fact, oils such as olive, coconut and sweet almond are still used for skin and hair-care by many cultures today. Paintings, drawings, and sculptures of Egyptian women always show their distinctive eyeliner. To achieve the exotic effect, they used a mixture of kohl powder from ground minerals. It not only emphasized their eyes but offered the added protection of deflecting the rays of the sun. Roller also tells us that Egyptian women added flush to their cheeks with a red powder made from ground iron-oxide minerals like hematite and ochre, which was an early form of blush.

Queen Cleopatra reportedly indulged in mild sour milk baths to reduce wrinkles and rejuvenate her skin. The lactic acid in milk is an alpha hydroxyl acid which is commonly added to many of today’s anti-aging cleansers, toners, masks, and moisturizers. To keep them looking younger, Egyptian women also colored their hair. Grays were covered with a temporary black dye made from the blood of a calf or bull. Egyptians also considered thick eyebrows to be a sign of beauty and experimented with brow fillers. Some women having naturally thin browns shaved their off and painted on thicker false ones, while others made their brows look fuller using a combination of honey and crocodile dung.

Green Tea for Great Skin

About Green Tea
Green tea is a powerful antioxidant which has been used for many years in alternative medicines and natural remedies. Its medicinal properties are attributed to its polyphenols, which are believed to help prevent many health maladies, such as cancer, skin aging, cardiovascular disease, and weight-control. Green tea extract also boasts anti-inflammatory properties and provides free-radical protection. Studies have shown that green tea helps the body both when ingested internally and applied topically to the skin through creams, serums, and other treatments.

Skin Cancer Protection
Green tea helps ameliorate sun damage by blocking free radicals which guards against carcinogenesis and DNA damage. It also brings down any inflammation of the skin, rather than simply blocking ultra-violet rays alone. In this way, green tea enhances sun protection synergistically when used in combination with a sunscreen. The flavanols, polyphenols, and EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) in green tea naturally help heal damaged cells and soothes the skin. When applying green tea extract to the skin prior to a sunscreen, look for a product to layer over it which contains zinc oxide so it is non-reactive to the green tea. If skin is already sunburned, a cool green tea compress freshly brewed from the leaves, is both soothing and healing.

Anti-aging
Compared to vitamins A and C, the EGCG in green tea has up to 100 times more antioxidant potency and can be found in many health and wellness regimens. It can be ingested by drinking the traditional tea, adding a concentrated serum to other beverages, or taken through supplement capsules. When enough of the polyphenols in the tea reach the bloodstream, it’s believed the effects will be noticeable in the skin. However it must be drank often and in large quantities. A better way than just drinking the tea, is to apply it directly to the skin’s surface. Green tea is included in many of today’s anti-aging skin formulations because it slows the aging of cells, firms and tones, and calms and restores balance to stressed skin. Green tea is also found in body-care moisturizers, shower gels, facial toners, and treatment masks. Some wellness spas are even using green tea during facials to steam the face, which opens the pores and conveys the tea’s many benefits directly and deeply into the skin. However, when buying a commercial green tea product, it’s important to know that like many antioxidants, the polyphenols in green tea are oxidized and lose their activity when exposed to air. So it is not clear how much of their benefits are retained. The best way to ensure effective results is to brew the tea and make your own skincare preparations. Frozen fresh-brewed green tea can be stored as ice cubes, slightly thawed, and then used as a toner. Cloths soaked in chilled green tea are a wonderful remedy for inflammed skin, while warm compresses of fresh-brewed tea will open the pores and impart a healthy, natural radiance.

Rosacea and Acne Treatment
Some studies show green tea extract cream is an effective homeopathic treatment for the common skin-condition, rosacea. A study was presented at the annual American Academy of Dermatology meeting which showed women treated with green tea extract cream experienced a 70% improvement in rosacea, as opposed to women given a placebo. It was especially effective in reducing the redness and inflammation associated with the condition. Many rosacea patients are seeing their skin signifantly improve once adding green tea as a supplement to their prescription creams, gels, or oral antibiotics. Green tea may even help treat acne naturally, without the drying and irritating side-effects of benzoyl peroxide. Anyone with these skin conditions should discuss the benefits of using green tea with their dermatologist.

Dark Chocolate for Your Skin - not just Dessert.

It may taste delicious but dark chocolate is more than just a decadent treat. It boasts some truly amazing skin benefits. Chocolate comes from the cacao fruit bean and has been used in alternative medicine treatment for thousands of years. The cacao beans are full of flavanol antioxidants which provide powerful protection against free radicals and environmental skin damage. Free radicals can contribute to common signs of aging such as wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and even skin cancer.

The antioxidants in dark chocolate help the body fight free radical damage and may prevent fine lines, age-spots, and wrinkles. Recent studies have shown that it also offers some UV protection. It was reported in Allure magazine that people who drank a dark chocolate preparation daily for 12 weeks experienced, “25% fewer incidents of skin redness due to UV exposure and improved hydration and skin texture.”

As with all things, not all chocolate is created equal. Milk and dairy in chocolate candy may inhibit the body’s ability to absorb antioxidants. To get the most beneficial effects from eating chocolate, you have to consume at least three ounces daily which contains a minimum of 50% cacao. The higher percentage of cacao within the chocolate, the better it is for you and your skin. Ghirardelli offers 72% cacao dark chocolate in its dark Twilight Delight and even 86% cacao dark chocolate in its intense Midnight Reverie selection. A few ounces of dark chocolate each day will keep your taste buds happy and your skin more youthful and beautiful. It's a delicious addition to any skin care routine.

Five Suprising Facts About Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil has been used for centuries as a skin and hair conditioner. Its use was documented by the ancient Greeks and Egyptians who considered it an essential part of their beauty rituals. It was also used in early medicinal preparations and contributes too many of today’s tastiest desserts. Sweet almond oil comes from the plant which blooms beautiful white flowers and produces sweet almonds. Their kernel contains this essential oil which offers these five surprising health and beauty benefits.

1. Aromatherapy
Among the most popular carrier oils used for Aromatherapy, sweet almond oil is a favorite for massage. It is very light and mixes well with heavier scented oils such as lavender, jasmine, and sandalwood. Sweet almond oil is easily absorbed into the skin and is an effective emollient which leaves skin soft and glowing. In India it is widely used for baby massage because it has almost no scent and is believed to have a calming effect.

2. Alternative Medicine
Sweet almond oil was used in early medicine to treat dry, itchy skin because it has properties which boost immunity and are anti-inflammatory. Alternative medicine practitioners continue to use it topically for psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, sunburn and to relieve strained muscles. Up until the 20th century, a spoonful of sweet almond oil was ingested to help physical maladies relating to the bladder and kidneys. It is still considered soothing to the digestive system and may even help reduce cholesterol.

3. Anti-Aging
Sweet almond oil is full of mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids. It is rich in skin-friendly vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, D, and E and contains the essential minerals magnesium and calcium. Many women consider it as an essential part of a natural, anti-aging skincare regimen because it nourishes their complexion and gives it a healthy radiance. Sweet almond oil has been shown to lighten under-eye circles, while hydrating and softening lines around the eyes. It can also elevate signs of environment stress on the skin and diminish the appearance of wrinkles emphasized by surface dryness.

4. Skin Moisturizer
Sweet almond oil mimics the natural human sebum and is deeply absorbed into the skin. Its’ clear, pure moisture leaves skin soft and restores youthful tone and suppleness. Sweet almond oil is well-tolerated by all skin types, including sensitive skin. After shaving, it prevents a man’s face from becoming irritated and beautifully conditions a woman’s legs. During warmer months, women especially enjoy rubbing sweet almond oil on their shoulders and legs where it leaves a light and pretty sheen.

5. Hair and Scalp Conditioner
A few drops of sweet almond oil massaged gently into the head will help moisturize dry scalp, soothe irritation, and restore balance. When rubbed into dry, stressed hair it adds luster and natural conditioning. Sweet almond oil smoothes the hair cuticle and gives tresses a soft and polished appearance. Its use has been a timeless global hair care secret of many Mediterranean women.

Herbs and Oil, Pure Ingredients for Beauty

When you consider herbs and oil, you may first think of salad dressing. While it’s true that these ingredients are delicious on a salad, they are also very effective natural beauty alternatives. Long before a department store cosmetics counter, women were concerned about their appearance. Evidence of beauty products has been found in Egyptian tombs as far back as 4,000 BC and there’s been detailed cosmetic rituals recorded in ancient Mesopotamian, Hebrew, Hittite, Greek, and Roman literature. Our ancestors used, among other preparations, various herbs and oils. These timeless products can compete with many products in today’s mainstream market and are a pure and organic approach to natural beauty.

A popular example of an herb being used on the skin is green tea. It is a natural antiseptic and has calming, soothing properties. Chamomile makes a relaxing cup of tea and helps relieve puffiness around the eyes. Tea tree oil is great for the hair and is very effective at ridding the scalp of general bacteria, dandruff, and hair lice. Jojoba oil, extracted from the plant, is also good for the scalp, skin, and hair. Some products promote the fact that they contain jojoba oil. However, it’s better to simply buy the raw oil and eliminate unnecessary filler ingredients. Castor oil is pressed from castor beans that origin in Africa. The famed Egyptian queen, Cleopatra, is known for both attracting Romans and her shiny raven-colored hair. Royal records show that she regularly applied castor oil to her hair and rubbed sweet almond oil into her skin. Who wouldn’t want to follow the beauty rituals of a queen that’s been immortalized for her allure? Sweet almond oil has no scent and can be directly applied to the skin. It absorbs quickly, leaves no greasy residue, and contains the nutritious hair and skin vitamins: E, A, D and B. Women in Spain swear by almond oil and it has been an integral part of their skincare regime for centuries.

Basil is wonderful in a pesto sauce but even better on your face. It has antiseptic properties and improves the appearance of scars and black spots. Rosemary is not only tasty on small red potatoes but improves circulation, especially on older, wrinkled skin. It can also help clear acne naturally and give shine to dull hair. Another herb often found in a spice cabinet, which should also be in the bathroom closet, is Thyme. It is a fantastic natural exfoliate. Something not as mainstream yet used in countries around the world is Neem. Neem is sold as a powder, oil, or pill and used to treat skin disorders such as: acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It can also be a regular skin cleanser and is supposed to be effective in reducing odor. A powerful herb that can be used to achieve bright glowing skin is the Turmeric root (in powder form). It is an organic antibiotic that is excellent for oily, acne-prone skin and a key ingredient in many face masks. Turmeric stabilizes the skin’s pH balance and gives it a luminous glow. It will tighten and brighten the skin, while naturally lightening pigmentation. Primrose oil is extracted from the plant and helps encourage healthy nails, hair and skin. It can be found in most organic markets which carry essential oils. Another herbal treatment is Saw Palmetto, which originates from the berries of a particular type of palm tree. Its beauty purpose is primarily a scalp treatment but some use it to treat skin conditions and other ailments. An article in Women’s Health magazine told us that 53% of women in Italy believe that they look younger than their age. This healthy attitude can in part be attributed to their use of olive oil. Olive oil has been used in Mediterranean beauty rituals for over 4,000 years. It is an extraordinary hair conditioner and likely right in most people’s pantry.

When outside of the kitchen, herbs are known for healing properties and being part of a sachet. However, herbs should also enjoy a reputation as beautifiers. Oils shouldn’t just be thought of a cooking ingredient but as an important part of a healthy beauty regime. Nature has given us raw materials for health, wellness and yes, beauty. Mainstream companies have recognized this and include herbs, oils and plant-based ingredients in their products. However, nature’s ingredients are often accompanied by man’s potentially harmful preservatives and you’re also paying for their processing, packaging, and marketing. If you want to achieve a natural beauty, consider the pure herbs and oils recognized by our ancestors and used by gorgeous woman around the world today– they are inexpensive, effective and timeless.

Skincare from the Soil

Today’s society is increasingly concerned with being eco-friendly and more and more people are “going-green”. We worry about the effects of chemicals on the earth, debris in our oceans, and fuel emissions depleting the ozone layer. However, what about the atmosphere of our own bodies and the most personal terrain of all - our face? Certainly, while I am suggesting we do our part, one person may not be able to change the course of the planet. We can, however, have an immediate, long-lasting impact on our own person. Everyone wants to be healthy, feel satisfied, live a full life, and look good doing it. The timeless phrase, “you are what you eat” has finally sunk in and, while we are all guilty of sometimes choosing a French fry over fiber, we realize the value pure, natural, organic food has our nutrition. Follow a similar path and learn the impact organic skincare can have on our skin’s beauty and overall health and wellness.

Organic foods taste better because they’re picked when actually ripe and are better for you and the environment because they don’t have to travel as far to reach you (reducing fuel emissions). The same applies to natural skincare because going organic is also better for your skin. Shashi Srikantan, owner of the 100% natural Quench Bath and Body line summarizes, “Unprocessed foods allow the natural properties of the food to be retained and allow you to get the most nutritional value out of it – likewise, keep the ingredients of your products as natural as you can and let them do their thing.”

Today’s consumer is fortunate to have real, raw, natural alternatives when choosing a skincare product. We can even find formulas that contain certified organic ingredients that are grown by biodynamic farmers which, for those of you that are concerned about mother earth, is considered the “original organic” method. This super-natural process is not just great for growing healthy foods but the beauty business is also benefiting from it, yielding uber-ingredients to natural skincare formulations. If you commit to organic skincare and body care, you can help keep toxic chemicals out of our soil and water as well as off of your skin.

Those of us with sensitive skin realize what a threat mainstream skincare products can be to our beauty. Anyone that’s had an allergic reaction to an ingredient looks hard to identify and avoid it. What we aren’t certain of are the effect some skincare ingredients, like parabens and sulfates , can have on our health. The good news is we can find natural skincare products that are free of ingredients like GMOs, parabens, detergents, sulfates, artificial colors, perfumes and are cruelty-free. As a nod to our planet, you can also find packages that are recyclable, hand-washable, composed of recycled materials and reusable. Select products are also available with naturally grown berries, leaves, flowers, seeds, or plants that are gathered from where they naturally grow called, wild-harvested or wild-crafted. Such harvesting is done to preserve the habitat of flora and fauna but can also produce skincare products with powerful antioxidant properties and revitalizing aromatherapy. Green Beauty and organic skincare alternatives are even available for Vegans, looking to protect animals and the environment, with formulations that use no animal-derived ingredients. So practicing vegans can be true to their philosophy, honor their life-choice, and still face the world with beautiful skin.

Being good to the environment is important and so is being good to ourselves. Remember that your body is a natural, organic living entity and it’s only logical that your health and appearance would benefit from eating organic foods and choosing natural skincare products. With the growing awareness of the importance of organic skincare, it’s easier than ever to make eco-friendly choices that your skin will celebrate. Let nature nourish us and pay attention to what’s put in our bodies and what’s put on them.