A recent Science Daily article noted that tea extract can heal skin that has been damaged by radiation. The study was done on cancer patients who underwent radiation therapy that caused skin damage. It showed that the tea extract worked on the cellular level of the skin to reduce inflammation and toxicity. Both black and green tea extracts worked well, although green tea proved more effective, at least in some patients.

This is good news for tea lovers who are concerned about the health of their skin. And even if you are not much of a tea drinker, you can purchase skin care products that contain tea extract to take advantage of its natural properties. There are also a number of health drinks that contain green tea extract as an ingredient, and you could include them in your diet if you prefer.

Of course, the Green Tea Skin Care properties have been known for some time by natural health enthusiasts, but it was not until relatively recently that the scientific establishment has documented findings that agreed with the advice doled out by traditionalists.

Another special property of black and green tea is that they contain natural compound known as catechins, which are natural antioxidants. Catechins are highly present in the Camellia sinensis plant, which is the source of various tea products, including green tea and black tea.

Antioxidants are effective chemical compounds that counter the effects of free radicals on skin. Free radicals, which are highly reactive oxygen molecules, cause damage to the skin proteins that keep your skin smooth and elastic. When these proteins are damaged, your skin becomes prone to wrinkles. Antioxidants are able to absorb and heal the effects of free radicals on skin, and thus slow down some of the visible signs of aging.

The catechins found in green tea and black tea are only one type of naturally occurring antioxidants. Caretenoids, coumarins, and indoles also belong in the antioxidants group and in fact they are all more common than catechins. All of these natural chemical compounds are found mainly in plants. That means that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables would provide your body with a healthy supply of antioxidants that can help you keep younger-looking skin for much longer. Supplementing such a diet with green tea intake can prove even more effective.

Green tea has also been shown to be an effective cancer preventative. Therefore by consuming it you are not only keeping your skin young and fresh, but possibly prolonging your lifetime as well.

Studies have shown that green tea helps to build your immune system with its antioxidants, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, reduces the risk of getting various types of cancer and Alzheimers, and all the while it promotes oral health and increases metabolism.

Smoothies are an easy way to enjoy the benefits of green tea, plus fruits for vitamins, antioxidents and fiber. Smoothies are nutritious, easy to make and provide a healthy meal-on-the-go. If you don’t have time for breakfast, make it the evening before and take it along. Here’s a simple, vitamin-filled smoothie recipe which allows you to add the health benefits of green tea to your daily diet. online recipes are the best way to get a delicious smoothie without brainstorming ideas.

Begin with two cups of green tea, made with four tea bags so it’s nice and strong.

Pour the green tea into a blender and add any or all of the following:

banana-source of potassium and fiber
four ounces of yogurt, flavor of your choice-great source of probiotics
a handful of nutritious blueberries or strawberries
tablespoon of soy vanilla powder for protein
a dash of cinnamon for your cholesterol and blood sugar

This smoothie is packed with antioxidants, protein, vitamins and minerals and makes a quick meal. If you’d like to add some fiber, throw in a couple of tablespoons of oatmeal.

Blend until all ingredients are smooth.

Don’t limit yourself to these ingredients either. Other possible ingredients are:
orange juice-Great source of vitamin C
mango, kiwi or other fruit or berries-source of vitamins and antioxidants
a spoonful of honey
peanut butter for protein

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