In recent years it seems as though green tea has become increasingly popular not only as a beverage, but as a skincare ingredient too! Before I did some research into the benefits of green tea, I had heard great things about its antioxidant properties. Little did I know however, just how much this ingredient can do for your skin and overall health! Matcha on the other hand, isn't as well understood by the mainstream, which is why I decided to write this blog post and clear up all the benefits, differences and similarities between green tea and matcha!
What is the difference between Green Tea and Matcha?
Both matcha and green tea are derived from the same plant called Camellia Sinensis. While green tea leaves usually come in the form of a tea bag, matcha is in powder form. Matcha is actually 100% green tea leaves that have been ground into a fine powder. It is much more concentrated than regular green tea, so you only need ½ to 1 teaspoon per cup. In comparison to regular green tea, when drinking matcha, you consume the whole tea leaf!
Regular green tea also goes through a much longer processing during production, which involves the leaves being left in the sun.5 Comparatively, matcha bushes are kept specifically under cover to increase the chlorophyll and amino acid levels in the leaves.4 In terms of taste, they both have a slightly grassy undertones. However, matcha has a much richer, more buttery flavour.5
What are the benefits of Matcha for your internal health?
Green tea and matcha share the same health benefits, however Matcha has 10 times the nutritional value of regular green tea and up to 137 times the amount antioxidants. How incredible is that! Matcha is full of antioxidants which are known to help fight free radicals. According to the ORAC testing method, matcha has 1300 units per gram. To understand just how substantial this is, pomegranates have 105 units per gram and blueberries have 91.4 This means that matcha has 130 times more calcium than normal green tea and 172 times the amount of protein!4
What are the benefits of Green Tea and Matcha for your skin?
Studies have shown that regularly drinking green tea can have several benefits for your skin! Green tea may help reduce reduce the visible signs of ageing and fight free radicals.2 The catechin compounds found in green tea can also work to calm redness from blemishes on the skin.3
Green Tea to try
English Tea Shop Organic Classic Loose Leaf Tea - Green Tea
Rather than the teabag I find the best green teas are loose leaf style. I particularly enjoy this English Tea Shop Organic Classic Loose Leaf Tea - Green Tea which also comes in a pretty storage tin and makes a great present too! Remember to get the full antioxidant benefit not to use water hotter than 80 degrees and only brew for 2-3 minutes to avoid that bitter aftertaste.
Matcha green tea to try
Matcha Maiden Matcha Green Tea Powder
For a delicious cup of Matcha green tea, I never go past Matcha Maiden. Filled with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, this tea not only tastes good, it's also incredibly good for you! The most common way to drink matcha powder is by adding a teaspoon to hot water. My favourite way to drink matcha however, is to add it to my morning juices or smoothies!
Which Green Tea skin care products do I recommend?
100% Pure Jasmine Green Tea Range
Now that we know the skincare benefits of green tea, it's the perfect time to try out some products! 100% Pure has an amazing range of Jasmine Green Tea products including a cleanser, tonique and moisturiser. Full of antioxidants, this intensely hydrating range is ideal for anyone with normal to dry skin. For nourished skin, begin by cleansing your face with the green tea cleanser (gentle enough for sensitive skin), then apply the tonique. To do so, simply add to a cleansing pad and wipe over your face. This removes any dead skin cells and preps the skin for moisturising! Last but not least, apply the green tea moisturiser, formulated with Hyaluronic acid to firm the skin!
Lavera Mattifying Balancing Cream with Organic Green Tea
If your skin is more on the oily side of life, then I recommend trying this mattifying cream from Lavera! Using the skincare benefits of green tea and moisturising properties of Calendula, this moisturiser gives the skin a matte finish, ideal for anyone with combination to oily skin!
(sources:1authoritynutrition.com, 2smartskincare.com, 3livestrong.com, 4matchamaiden.com, 5onegreenplanet.org)
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