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reen tea extract is renowned for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. For millennia, it has proven itself trustworthy for those seeking luscious hair and an even skin tone. But beyond the world of beauty, it also plays an important role in maintaining heart health and keeping your weight in check. If you’ve ever needed a reason to stop plunging into soda’s quicksand, the enormous benefits of green tea extract will definitely serve that purpose.
What is green tea extract?
Green tea’s history stretches back centuries to ancient China, where it was enjoyed for its delicate flavor and invigorating properties. But for the modern world seeking concentrated wellness, science stepped in. Enter green tea extract: a powerful innovation that captures the essence of this ancient beverage in a potent form. This isn’t your grandma’s cup of tea–it’s a concentrated form of green tea imagined for today’s world, offering the goodness of green tea in a convenient way.
This convenience means that there’s no excuse not to enjoy the benefits of green tea extract. Let’s delve into the miracle it promises for your skin, hair, and general wellness.
Check out the benefits of green tea extract for the skin
Green tea extract offers a plethora of benefits for the skin, including:
- It is rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which help shield the skin from free radical damage caused by environmental factors like UV radiation and pollution.
- Its anti-inflammatory composition helps calm irritated or inflamed skin, making it beneficial for conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema.
- It also contains compounds that can help regulate sebum production (a substance produced by the sebaceous gland), making it a useful ingredient for people with oily or acne-prone skin. In essence, it can help mattify the skin and reduce excess oiliness.
- The antioxidants in green tea extract can help prevent premature aging by neutralizing free radicals and protecting collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. Regular use may also help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Green tea extract contains caffeine, which can help reduce facial redness, resulting in a more even skin tone. It may also help reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness around the eyes.
- Some researchers claim green tea extract may promote wound healing and tissue repair, making it beneficial for soothing and healing minor skin irritations or injuries.
- Green tea extract contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe inflammation and promote a more youthful complexion.
You can find this ingredient in various skincare products, including cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, and masks. When incorporating it into your skincare routine, look for products with high concentrations of active ingredients and minimal added fragrances or other potential irritants. As with any new skincare ingredient, it’s a good idea to do a patch test on a small area of skin before applying it to larger areas. This makes it easy to check for any adverse reactions.
See the benefits of green tea extract for hair
- This extract contains catechins, which have been shown to stimulate hair growth by inhibiting the activity of the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is linked to hair loss.
- The antioxidants in green tea extract help strengthen hair follicles and prevent damage from free radicals, promoting healthier and stronger tresses.
- Using green tea extract helps soothe and cleanse the scalp, which can reduce irritation and dandruff.
- It also improves the appearance of dull, lackluster hair by smoothing the hair cuticle and enhancing shine.
- By promoting scalp health and strengthening hair follicles, green tea extract may help reduce hair shedding and prevent excessive hair loss.
- Similar to its effect on oily skin, this ingredient can help regulate sebum production on the scalp, making it essential for individuals with oily scalp or hair.
You can incorporate this extract into your hair care routine by using shampoos, conditioners, or hair treatments that contain green tea extract as an active ingredient. Alternatively, you can make DIY hair treatments using brewed green tea or green tea extract. Simply brew a strong cup of green tea, allow it to cool, and use it as a final rinse after shampooing and conditioning your hair to enjoy its benefits.
Other health benefits
- Heart health: This extract may help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease by improving blood vessel function and reducing inflammation.
- Weight management: Some studies suggest that green tea extract may help boost metabolism and promote fat oxidation, making it potentially beneficial for weight loss and weight management.
- Brain health: The caffeine and L-theanine in green tea extract may improve cognitive function, focus, and alertness, and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
- Liver health: Green tea extract may help protect the liver from damage caused by toxins and oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of liver diseases like fatty liver disease and liver cancer.
- Cancer prevention: Some studies suggest that the antioxidants in this extract could protect against certain types of cancer by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and promoting apoptosis (cell death).
Side effects
Green tea extract is available in various forms, including supplements, skincare, and hair care products, as well as foods and beverages. It is generally considered safe when consumed in moderation, but excessive intake of supplements or highly concentrated extracts may cause side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, and digestive issues.
As with any supplement, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before adding green tea extract to your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Here are more side effects:
- Caffeine-related side effects: Green tea extract contains caffeine, which can cause side effects such as insomnia, jitteriness, anxiety, irritability, rapid heartbeat, and digestive issues in sensitive individuals. Excessive caffeine intake can also lead to dehydration.
- Stomach upset: Some individuals may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps, when consuming green tea extract supplements on an empty stomach or in high doses.
- Liver toxicity: There are rare reports of liver toxicity associated with high-dose green tea extract supplements. Symptoms may include yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), abdominal pain, dark urine, and fatigue. It’s important to use green tea extract supplements cautiously and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
- Interactions with medications: It may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners (anticoagulants), certain antidepressants, and some medications used to treat high blood pressure or heart disease. It may also interfere with the absorption of iron from plant-based sources.
- Allergic reactions: Some individuals may be allergic to components of this extract and may experience allergic reactions, such as itching, rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Note: Pregnant and breastfeeding women should exercise caution when consuming the extract, as its safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been thoroughly studied. High doses of caffeine can also affect fetal development and may lead to low birth weight.
It’s essential to use these supplements responsibly and follow recommended dosage guidelines. If you experience any adverse reactions or side effects, discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional. Additionally, consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Featured image: @cherifaakili/Instagram
Medical Disclaimer
All content found on the StyleRave.com website, including text, images, audio, video, and other formats is created for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital, or call 911 immediately depending on your condition.
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