Love tea? Then there may be a very good reason to love it just a little bit more!
Steeped in Tradition
Excluding water, tea is the most cost effective beverage that people consume. Tea culture dates back centuries and is all about the way tea is made and drank, and the pomp and ceremony around it.
But what of this magic elixir called tea when it comes to anti-aging?
Well, it would seem that tea acts like a total superstar to help slow down the hands of time.
Health Benefits of Tea
Modern research confirms what centuries old traditions of tea drinking have shown us, a large body of evidence supporting the health benefits of tea.
Longevity is a conundrum that we are all trying to solve and tea could well provide a helping hand. Tea contains potent antioxidants that help fight free radicals and reduce oxidative damage to ensure cells are healthy and renew quickly. This is a game changer when it comes to anti-aging.
Evidence is accumulating that catechins and theaflavins (the main polyphenolic compounds of green and black tea), respectively, are responsible for most of the positive biological and physiological effects.
But which tea is best I hear you asking? The following is a round-up of the best teas for anti-aging benefits.
Green Tea
When it comes to anti-aging, green tea is the ace that deserves your undivided attention.
Many potential health benefits are attributed to green tea, including some that may contribute to increased longevity.
Like other teas, green tea also contains an abundant amount of antioxidants. But the presence of an enormous amount of ECGC (a powerful antioxidant) makes it different from other tea. This super potent antioxidant reactivates your dying skin cells and maintains a healthy skin cell count.
According to one study (published in the September 2010 issue of the journal Collegium Anthropologicum), green tea was found to provide anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects which may delay signs of skin aging, such as sun damage, expression lines and wrinkles.
Green tea is a secret weapon against aging. Look no further than the beautiful Japanese women and how beautifully well they age. Consumed or topically applied, green tea can make a difference. So, if you are looking for an anti-aging tea, this should be on top of your shopping list!
Black Tea
Who would have believed that your morning cup of tea offered rich anti-aging benefits!
Black tea is jam packed with polyphenol rich antioxidants that hold magical anti-aging properties.
Groups of polyphenols, including catechins, theaflavins and thearubigins, are the main sources of antioxidants in black tea.
These antioxidants help in flushing out unwanted toxins from your body and promote a fresh radiance in your skin. It will improve the overall glow of your skin and delay the premature aging process. The topical application of black tea extract can also help achieve a lighter and softer skin tone.
As an added bonus, a study showed that drinking tea which included Chinese (black, oolong or green) tea or Western (mixed with milk), may prevent the worsening of existing depressive symptoms by consuming just 3 cups a day.
Happier people live longer so drinking black tea is a great way to age gracefully and promote longevity.
Chamomile Tea
For thousands of years, chamomile has been used to support calm and balance as well as aid longevity.
Often referred to as a natural aspirin, due to its ability to reduce pain, chamomile research supports the benefits of chamomile as a herb which reduces inflammation when drunk as tea.
The 2 main types of Chamomile used in tea making include German (Matricaria recutita) and Roman (Chamaemelum nobile) using the flower part of the plant. Chamomile can also be used in soaps, or cosmetics to help soothe skin infections, lesions, or infections of the eye. (A cool chamomile tea bag is my go to when I get a sty or pink eye).
The incredible little white petalled plant possesses a panoply of anti-aging and health-supporting active compounds which include luteolin, rutin, caffeic acid, and quercetin (the latter providing protection against UV damage).
Moreover, chamomile contains the antioxidant apigenin, which has been shown to provide anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
Anxiolytic qualities of chamomile tea provide a sense of calm for your nervous system helping to lower stress levels and keep your mind, body and soul happy.
Being a good source of antioxidants, chamomile helps fight free radicals in the body that damage skin cells resulting in prevention of any damage to skin. It also accelerates cell and tissue regeneration (helping to tighten the pores) and slows down the aging process.
As it does not contain caffeine, it is a great pre bedtime drink that won’t disturb your sleep.
Hibiscus Tea
One of the best-kept secrets to help maintain the plumpness and youthfulness of your skin’s appearance is Hibiscus tea. Hibiscus tea contains an exorbitant amount of natural vitamin C which helps boost collagen production which is essential as our collagen levels deplete with age. A loss of collagen leads to wrinkle formation and a reduction in the skin’s elasticity so adding a daily supplement heading into our fifties is essential.
According to studies, Hibiscus tea contains a tremendous amount of antioxidants that help protect your body against free radical damage. These antioxidants increase the natural glow of your skin and help delay the signs of aging. It also provides a substantial source of Vitamin A which Retinol is a derivative of which can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Hibiscus tea is red colour and has a tart, unique flavour. It can be served hot or cold over ice.
Rose Tea
Many healthy foods provide anti-aging benefits, especially flower teas, such as those made from roses.
Drinking rose tea is a great source of vitamins and antioxidants. Rose petals contain polyphenols, antioxidants that work to protect your body from cell damage.
It is also free of caffeine, sugar, and calories. It contains Vitamins E and C, which are some of the best vitamins to promote healthy skin, especially when taken together. It also helps with immune support, lowers risk of chronic disease, provides anti inflammatory disease and cognitive disease.
This is perhaps one of the most beautiful teas – it’s pink and smells like roses ….what more do you want!
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos is a wonderful tea that provides an amazing combination of nutrients and anti-aging benefits. It is very distinct in flavour and smell and contains antioxidant enzymes that include aspalathin, nothofagin, and superoxide dismutase. These active compounds are incredibly effective antioxidants that help fight off free radical damage, thus preventing the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.
It is also a significant source of zinc. Zinc helps in decreasing higher levels of testosterone and regulating hormonal imbalance. Thus, prevents hormonal acne or skin breakouts.
Proudly South African, this red tea, rich in antioxidants, helps prevent diabetes and high blood pressure promoting longevity and slowing down the signs of aging.
This tea can be drank with or without milk.
Anti-Aging Teas: The Take Home
Consumed or applied, tea is no doubt a magic weapon in the fight against aging and the secret to longevity. We’re sure that the fountain of youth overfloweth with tea!
The positive health benefits cannot be underestimated. The more we read and researched about tea, the more we were super impressed with its potential to positively affect your health, wellbeing and more specifically, provide a range of anti-aging benefits.
The positive benefits are backed by science and clinical data, this isn’t some pie in the sky idea dreamt up by someone – this is very real!
All of these anti-aging teas provide fabulous health benefits. If something can shave off years, why not add it to your daily diet.
Give them a try to see which one works better for you.
This is great news for tea drinkers!! I say, get the kettle on!
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