All About Green Tea

Green tea is an antioxidant-rich beverage and has been enjoyed for centuries around the world. It is one of the world’s most consumed beverages. Believed to be a curative beverage, many cosmetic companies add green tea to their products for healthier skin and hair.

Green tea extract comes from the Camellia  plant,  which is a small evergreen tree with white flowers. Depending on the processing method, tea leaves can produce green, black, white, or oolong tea. Green tea is made from fresh tea leaves that undergo drying and sunlight exposure to prevent oxidation and fermentation, which leads to green tea’s distinct flavor.

There are several legends surrounding the origin of tea in general. What we know for certain is that tea in its most natural form was discovered over 5,000 years ago. For centuries, all tea was green tea.  In the 1600s, different forms of tea such as black and oolong were introduced. Black tea is a fermented version of green tea and Oolong is semi fermented. Around the ninth century, green tea began its journey through Asia, starting in Japan. Different variations of tea leaves that are still enjoyed today can be attributed to the Japanese. They presented tea with much formality and integrated it into their culture through tea ceremonies. In China and Japan, tea and its presentation are an art form.

Below is precisely why we think there is so much fuss about green tea extract.

Green teas are well known for being rich in antioxidants. Most of the antioxidants in green tea come from compounds known as flavanols, particularly a type known as catechins. The most abundant and powerful catechin in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Due to its rich antioxidant content, green tea and its extracts are being used for other purposes, such as preventing hair loss and improving hair health and to slow down aging.

Green Tea Prevents Hair Loss and Promotes Its Growth

Hair loss affects both women and men around the world, and its causes can be stress related, dietary or hormonal. Some research has shown that EGCG present in green tea, can inhibit hair loss caused by hormonal changes. This EGCG inhibits the actions of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone which are the primary hormones responsible for decreasing hair growth and increasing hair loss.

Green tea is rich in B Vitamins which plays a major role in controlling hair fall. Vitamin B helps in controlling split ends, softens the hair and strengthens hair roots. Direct application of green tea extract to the hair shafts, helps in absorption of Vitamin B. The Vitamin B (Panthenol) present in green tea is commonly used in shampoos, conditioners and hair rinses.

Green tea also contains theanine, a unique amino acid which works along with panthenol to strengthen the hair. Additionally, the polyphenols and Vitamin C present in green tea help in preventing dullness while boosting shine and softness in hair.

Green Tea Extract Has Powerful Antiaging Benefits.

Green tea extract has high catechin content, this makes it a powerful antioxidant ideal for anti-aging formulations. Catechin can penetrate cells, thereby protecting it from free radicals and environmental damage. Additionally, green tea extract inhibits collagenase, an enzyme that breaks down collagen, so skin remains firm and elastic.

Potent Antibacterial And Anti-inflammatory Agent

Green tea extract acts as an antibacterial agent that eliminates acne-causing bacteria, reduces inflammation in the pores, and decreases excess sebum production. It also reduces skin swelling which helps to calm skin conditions such as rosacea and psoriasis. Due to its caffeine content, green tea extract can reduce puffiness around the eyes and eliminate water retention. These antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents can also support hair regeneration by inhibiting the growth of bacterial and reducing dryness on the scalp.

Uses

Green Tea extract can be used in shampoos, conditioners and simple hair rinses to harness its benefits for the hair. It can also be added to  anti-aging toners, facial cleansers, moisturizers and lotions.