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GREEN TEA

Drinking tea is a staple part of our daily routine. It heats us up as we shiver in the kitchen at 7am, it calms us down after a stressful day at work and apparently, it could help us live longer.

According to scientists, drinking green tea regularly is linked to living a longer and healthier life.

The study analysed 100,902 people who were split into two groups. All of the participants had no history of heart attack, cancer or strokes.

One group were habitual tea drinkers and the others were non-habitual tea drinkers.

The team discovered that the people who frequently drank green tea shortened their risk of heart attack and stroke by a massive 20 percent.

The team believes that a 50-year-old who drinks green tea regularly lengthens their life span by 1.26 years.

Dr Xinyan Wang of the Chinese Academy of Medical Science in Beijing, commented: “Habitual tea consumption is associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease and all-cause death. The favourable health effects are the most robust for green tea and for long-term habitual tea drinkers.”

The beverage is full of polyphenols which help protect against cardiovascular disease.

Green tea is also enriched with antioxidants for clear skin, and metabolism-boosting properties, it's no wonder it's such a popular beverage. 

It is important to note that this study was conducted in China, where green tea is the most popular hot drink. Researchers stressed that the results are only linked to drinking two cups of green tea per week.

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Antioxidants and skincare have gone hand-in-hand for years, especially during those warm summer months where protecting your skin from the sun is more imperative than ever.

Opportunities for sun damage arise constantly during this laid-back season, and broad-spectrum suncream is an absolute must. What else can you do to achieve the maximum protection for your pores?

Here's where antioxidants come in. They're the ideal way to neutralise the visible effects the sun may have on your skin, like wrinkles or dark spots.

If you haven't found your perfect product yet, we highly recommend IMAGE Skincare's collection of antioxidants.

Free radicals (AKA reactive oxygen species) form in our bodies in numerous different ways, mainly through UV rays. These molecules are missing an electron, so they damage other cells in the process of searching for one.

Antioxidants come in to save the day by "donating" an electron to free radicals, neutralising them and minimising skin damage. Seems pretty great, eh?

Adding antioxidants to your skincare routine can boost your sun protection and after-sun care, and we've chosen our top five best antioxidant products to look out for this summer.

1. Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract

Red wine has helped to popularise the heart-healthy benefits of grapes (Thank the Lord) but grapes can also protect your skin. 

Grape seed extract contains polyphenols, which are among the best-known free radical fighters. True story. The extract also contains resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant which is also the source of wine’s cardio benefits.

Our choice: IMAGE Skincare's VITAL C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum, €76.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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2. Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract

Often credited as the source behind the flawless complexions of the Japanese, green tea has long been known for its amazing health benefits. It’s also a potent antioxidant, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products.

Our choices; IMAGE Skincare'ORMEDIC Balancing Antioxidant Serum €70.50, VITAL C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum €76, and VITAL C Hydrating Antioxidant ACE Serum, €67.

These three are all formulated with green tea extract for a burst of antioxidant power.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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3. Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract

In the West, the ingredient is better known as pennywort but it's been prized in the East since ancient times for it's undeniable health benefits. It's become a cult favourite in skincare for it's anti-ageing properties.

Gotu Jola is a rich source of phytonutrients called flavonoids that act as antioxidants. The antioxidants neutralize reactive oxygen species which in turn helps your body support and improve the appearance of collagen-deprived skin.

Our choice: IMAGE Skincare's VITAL C Hydrating Antioxidant ACE Serum €67, which teams up with green tea extract and a red rose win complex to form a super group of antioxidants.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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4. Phyllanthus Emblica (Indian Gooseberry) Fruit Extract

Indian Gooseberry is a fruit rich in vitamin C and various minerals, amino acids, tannins, and flavonoids.

From anti-ageing creams and serums to sunscreens, Indian gooseberry has demonstrated its strength in protecting the skin from damage induced by free radicals.

Studies have shown that oral and topical applications of the antioxidant compounds in Indian gooseberry have shown a reduction in oxidative damage from reactive oxygen species.

Our choice: Phyllanthus emblica fruit extract features in IMAGE Skincare'VITAL C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum €76, for all skin types.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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5. Crithmum Maritimum (Sea Fennel) Extract

The ocean is undoubtedly home to some of the most amazing ingredients in skin care.

Among some amazing ingredients is sea fennel, which gets its antioxidant power punch from having a high concentration of antioxidant compounds including vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids.

Our choice: IMAGE Skincare's ORMEDIC Balancing Antioxidant Serum €70.50, the perfect everyday serum for all skin types.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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This amazing serum has one goal: bring your skin to a state of optimal balance so that you’ll have that naturally healthy glow.

Dermatologists recommend the daily use of sunscreen and an antioxidant serum or cream (or a sunscreen with antioxidants), so make sure to take your summer skincare routine seriously.

Your skin is one of your body's organs, and it needs constant care and protection.  Visit IMAGE Skincare's website for more information on total skincare heaven.

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We all know that green tea is exceptionally good for the body and soul. 

Enriched with anti-oxidants for clear skin, and metabolism-boosting properties, it's no wonder it's such a popular beverage. 

According to new research, a compound found in green tea has been linked to major heart-healthy benefits.

'Scientists have discovered that a compound found in green tea, currently being studied for its ability to reduce amyloid plaques in the brain in Alzheimer's disease, also breaks up and dissolves potentially dangerous protein plaques found in the blood vessels,' reads the study.

So, while scientists were researching green tea's benefits to brain health, they came across this unforeseen heart benefit too. 

The research published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, scientists from the University of Leeds and Lancaster University found that an ingredient in green tea called EGCG can dissolve dangerous arterial plaque, and could actually prevent heart attacks. 

'The health benefits of green tea have been widely promoted and it has been known for some time that EGCG can alter the structures of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease,'  David Middleton, a professor of chemistry at Lancaster University told Bustle.

'Our results show that this intriguing compound might also be effective against the types of plaques which can cause heart attacks and strokes.'

So, we're adding green tea bags to our shopping lists ASAP.

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Many people believe that green tea is a miracle worker. It speeds up your metabolism. It clears up your skin. It lowers your blood pressure. It reduces the risk of heart disease. And it even improves ones’ memory.

However, experts believe that the herbal tea isn’t as magical as we may think. Speaking to PopSugar, Dr Josh Axe stated that people need to realise that drinking the tea alone isn’t enough.

The best-selling author said, 'Research suggests that a combination of lifestyle components account for the health benefits observed in people that drink tea.'

Basically,  drinking one cup of green tea isn’t going to miraculously clear your skin. You need to practice a good skincare routine and drink plenty of water too.

Dr Axe suggested that the public should focus on their overall diet. Life would be great if we could eat as much pizza and chocolate as we wanted, but, as we know, balance is key.

One of the main reasons people drink green tea is to lose weight.

However, Dr Axe stated that you need to do more than drink the herbal tea to shed pounds, 'For weight loss, you may need to rely on the conventional methods of a healthy diet and exercise.'

You need to eat apples and kale, as well as well as cupcakes and salted caramel chocolate bars (unfortunately.)

Green tea may have some great health benefits, but Dr Axe urged  the public to think of the negative sides: 'Green tea extracts should not be taken by patients suffering from renal failure, liver disease, heart conditions, or major cardiovascular problems without supervision from a doctor.'

'Pregnant women and breastfeeding mums should drink no more than one or two cups per day, as some research shows that more caffeine than this amount may interfere with normal heart rhythms,' he advised.

We may still partake in a cup or two. 

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Call it the new detox juice! Matcha green tea has popped up everywhere over the past year, but it's only now that we're realising the real health benefits from it.

Los Angeles nutritionist, Cynthia Pasquella, spoke to Harper's Bazaar about the new study that proves this tea is the best thing for us.

"A compound in matcha called EGCG [epigallocatechin gallate] has been shown to boost metabolism and stop the growth of fat cells," says Cynthia.

"Matcha has played an important role for a number of my clients," Ms Pasquella admitted. "It's smart to swap it for coffee, which can play with blood sugar, leading to weight gain."

But what is matcha, you ask? While green tea usually consists of dried, chopped leaves that are steeped in a bag, matcha is a fine powder made from plants specially shade-grown to develop the flavour and it's bright colour.

While studies have mixed conclusions about precisely how much matcha or EGCG may be needed to lose weight, Cynthia suggest one to three cups a day is enough.

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You can tuck into starchy foods such as cereal, bread and chips – and counteract some of the negative effects by drinking green tea at the same time.

That’s because an extract from the tea has now been found to reduce the amount of carbs that you absorb during digestion.

Hurrah! Starch is the most common carbohydrate we consume, and the likes of potatoes, rice, bread and pasta all contain large amounts.

Led by Jaroslaw Walkowiak of Poznan University in Poland, the researchers found the dose of green tea extract decreased starch digestion and absorption compared to a placebo group.

“This plant extract is widely available, inexpensive, and well tolerated, so it has potential utility for weight control and the treatment of diabetes,” researchers said afterwards.

They added that it was important to have several cups a day in order for the process to prove effective.

And plenty of A-listers are already in on the act too: Lady Gaga is said to be drinking up in the run-up to her forthcoming wedding, while Kendall Jenner said last year she was downing "like 12 cups a day".

Several years ago, Victoria Beckham was among the first wave of celebs who was reportedly staying slim by regularly consuming green tea.

 

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It is no secret that certain types of tea can have huge health benefits.

But what you may not have known is the positive impact that various types of tea can have on your skin.

Certain types of teas can even be used to help treat specific skin disorders, including eczema and acne. Tea is full of polyphenols which are molecules that have antioxidant properties. These can help to keep your skin hydrated, restore sun-damage, and to help reduce inflammation.

Here are a few different types of herbal teas and the skin ailments that they can help.

Green tea

While it is still vital that we wear SPF 30 whenever we are directly in the sun, it has been reported that green tea can in fact help reduce the risk of skin cancer caused by sun damage. The antioxidants that are in green tea are associated with decreasing inflammation of the skin cells. It is this inflammation that contributes to the aging of the skin. Green tea can also help to protect the skin from sunburn and UV damage.

Rooibos

This is a caffeine-free red tea that contains anti-inflammatory ingredients. Rooibos contains flavonoids which have been linked to helping to treat skin conditions such as acne or rosacea.

Chamomile

Out of all the teas, chamomile is the most widely renowned for possessing skin-healing qualities. The soothing tea contains flavonoids that can help to relieve skin conditions such as dry, patchy skin as well as acne.

Yerba Maté

Yerba maté is the optimum tea to prevent skin from ageing. It has loads of antioxidants that can help to prevent and repair skin damage. It is also full of caffeine so this is definitely more of a morning tea than a night time one. It is also great to treat ailments such as fatigue, appetite control and weakened immune systems.

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Here are some of the most common diet tips that many of us live by, but actually don’t work.

Green tea

Some studies claim that sipping green tea can help you lose weight. But the truth is you would have to be drinking seven cups a day to match the number of compounds needed to actually burn fat.

All fats are the same

Not true, there is a significant difference between saturated and unsaturated fats. So cutting out some fatty foods in preference for other fats doesn’t guarantee weight loss.

Exercise estimates

This is unforuntaely also not accurate. The amount of calories you actually burn in an exercise session, can depend on your own metabolism.

Having a belly is fine

BMI (Body Mass Index) is a great indicator of whether someone could be considered overweight or obese but is not always fool proof. While a flat stomach is impossible, we shouldn’t ignore any weight gain around our waistline.

Your body shape affects your weight gain

Many experts claim that those who have pear shaped figure are less prone to gaining weight in comparison to those who are apple shaped. This isn’t necessarily true. It doesn’t matter what shape your figure is, any excess fat is unhealthy.

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The pubs may be closed tonight, but that probably won’t stop you stocking up on the vino and making the most of the long weekend.

If you’re feeling a bit peaky over the weekend, step away from the fry-up and try these healthy hangover cures instead.

1. Eggs
Besides being an easily digested food that’s gentle on your stomach, eggs are packed with protein. Plus thanks to their large amounts of cysteine, eggs help mop up alcohol’s leftover toxins.

2. Coconut water
Lots of people swear by this stuff to cure a hangover, and for good reason. It’s really hydrating, and one carton typically packs more potassium than a banana—which is the key nutrient for feeling better fast.

3. Bananas
One fruit that works its magic on a hangover is the humble banana—especially if you’ve (yikes!) thrown up. It’s the obvious choice to get potassium into your system fast, plus bananas are gentle on the stomach. They’ll provide necessarily electrolytes lost during heaving drinking,

4. Green tea
Green tea is packed with antioxidants, which keep your body’s cells and organs healthy. This means a healthier liver, which will help you recover faster. If you’re feeling sick, add rosemary or lavender to your tea – they’ll calm your stomach fast.

5. Miso soup
Have some miso soup with your eggs. Miso soup replaces a lot of things our bodies need to feel better: water, sodium. Because it’s a fermented food that contains healthy bacteria, miso can also help with digestion if last night’s kebab is playing havoc with your insides.

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Who knew that even more benefits could be added to the list for green tea?

In a study completed at the University of Basel in Switzerland, it was found that extract of green tea can improve the working memory.

The finding shows that drinking green tea can improve cognitive functions and it could be used as a treatment for cognitive impairments such as dementia.

One of the professors leading the study, Prof. Stefan Borgwardt, said that “our findings suggest that green tea might increase the short-term synaptic plasticity of the brain.”

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It’s no secret that green tea is quite popular among dieters and weight watchers. But, there’s more to this nutrient-packed tea than just weight loss. With all the antioxidants in green tea, you can only be sure that it has more benefits than just one.

No more stress
The amino acid in green tea has a calming effect on those who drink it. It can also help reduce heart rate and blood pressure.

Lower cholesterol levels
If you have green tea on a regular basis it can help bring down your cholesterol levels.

Stops tooth decay
Well here’s a new one! Green tea contains properties that can help your teeth against a lot of dental conditions.

Antiviral
If you’re sniffing and sneezing this winter then maybe some green tea is in order. Since it has an antiviral effect on the influenza virus, you have a chance of fighting that flu with a hot cup of green tea.

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