The benefit to green tea lies in the fact that freshly harvested tea leaves contain polyphenols, remarkable compounds with a host of therapeutic actions. In fact, the average cup of brewed green tea contains about 100 mg of polyphenols.
On the beauty front, these polyphenols in green tea give you a natural weightloss kick to help you burn calories. Polyphenols appear to block the enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine, a brain chemical that regulates your metabolism. The higher your levels of norepinephrine, the faster your metabolism, which in turn allows you to burn calories even more efficiently.
In one study, researchers divided participants into three groups, giving them either a placebo (sugar pill), caffeine, or green tea extract, which was standardized to 50 percent of the active ingredient epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Researchers found that those who received the green tea burned an additional 500 calories per week, with no changes in diet or physical activity. That equates to about eight pounds a year!
Plus, green tea is a great source of antioxidants, which have been shown to help prevent ultraviolet light-induced inflammation, dryness, and damage to your skin.
To take advantage of this great natural anti aging skin care gem, while also enjoying a natural weightloss kick, aim for about two to three cups of green tea a day.