Treat yourself to a green tea face mask and smoothie, and greet the New Year glowing. Green tea boosts health and revitalizes skin, which is why your skin will love it.
So if a healthy diet was one of your New Year’s resolutions, a green tea smoothie is the perfect way to begin. Learn more about green tea’s health benefits below, or skip to the green tea mask and smoothie recipes.
Green Tea and Your Health
Green tea offers myriad health benefits. Packed with catechins and polyphenols, green tea helps protect against heart disease, Alzheimer’s, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, says Healthline.
Other research suggests green tea may boost longevity and protect against age-related brain degeneration.
Green tea also boosts metabolism, converting the body into a fat-burning machine and making it a favorite of fitness fans worldwide.
But like lavender, green tea may also improve mental health. For instance, according to Healthline, green tea contains L-theanine, an amino acid that increases alpha brain waves to calm the mind and reduce stress.
However, matcha offers unique health benefits, as well. But what is matcha?
Matcha vs. Green Tea: What’s the Difference?
Matcha is a type of green tea, but it differs in its preparation, growth, flavor, and antioxidant content.
According to Medical News Today, green tea and matcha both come from the Camellia sinensis plant. However, green tea is packaged as whole leaves, whereas matcha is sold as a powder and made from crushed green tea leaves.
Second, matcha manufacturers protect the plants from oxidation and sunlight, then remove the stems and veins before grinding the leaves into powder. These steps lend matcha its distinct, bold flavor.
According to Healthline, matcha also contains 137 times more antioxidants than low-end green teas and has triple the antioxidants of other premium teas.
For instance, matcha contains flavonoids, polyphenols, and vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. Together, these nutrients help slow aging, boost collagen, and protect your skin and cells from damage.
Please note, however: compounds in matcha can be toxic in large amounts, so limit yourself to two cups daily, says Healthline.
Still, despite these risks, green tea and matcha both work magic on your skin.
Green Tea and Matcha: Skin Benefits
Green tea and matcha contain a slew of nutrients that fight aging, inflammation, and acne.
Researchers in one study found that drinking green tea increases the body’s benzoic acid levels, helping fight inflammation from acne and eczema.
Green tea also contains EGCG, beta carotene and vitamins B2 and C, which help repair sun damage, ward off wrinkles, and boost skin’s elasticity and hydration.
Like green tea, matcha also contains nutrients that repair and protect the skin. For instance, polyphenols repair DNA and calm inflammation, and vitamin A speeds skin cell turnover and helps skin fight sun damage.
Likewise, vitamins B and C hydrate and brighten skin, vitamin E prevents wrinkles, and vitamin K protects the skin and blood vessels.
So, with all these health and beauty benefits, why not treat yourself to that green tea mask and smoothie? Make the mask first if you’d like, and then enjoy your smoothie while you wait.
DIY Green Tea Face Mask
Now, whip up this green tea face mask to get your skin glowing. Gather the items below to begin.
Use this mask once per week for best results. You can also try this beauty trick: After brewing green tea, place the tea bags in the freezer for 15 minutes, and then apply them to your puffy eyes. Or use your leftover green tea as a toner.
Don’t clean up yet, though, because it’s time to make your smoothie next.
Matcha Banana Coconut Smoothie
Now, try this matcha banana coconut smoothie for a healthy treat. Most smoothie recipes use unsweetened almond milk, but you can sweeten it with vanilla almond milk and honey if you’d like.
Once you’ve finished, relax and enjoy your smoothie.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it: green tea boosts health and makes your skin look young and fabulous. Green tea and matcha both contain antioxidants that fight disease, aging, acne, and more.
Make the smoothie as often as you’d like, and use the mask once per week for best results. You’ll see improvement in two to four weeks with regular use.
Now, you can greet the new year glowing. So, enjoy your new skin, and check back for more DIY beauty recipes.
Also, see this YouTube video by Mashed Potatoes to learn how to make blue and pink matcha lattes.
Featured image credit: Happy_Lark / Getty Images via Canva.com
Note: The ideas presented here do not substitute for medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before trying new products or starting a new skincare regimen.
References
Suggested Reading
- 5 Reasons Why Your Skin and Hair Need Camellia Oil Now: A Geisha Beauty Secret
- 3 Secret Avocado Beauty Recipes You Probably Didn’t Know About
- Amazing Guava Face Mask and Smoothie to Revive Your Skin
Helpful information here. The missus and I are big fans of matcha lattes and smoothies.
Thank you! Yes, matcha lattes and smoothies are delicious and healthy, which is why I enjoy them, too. Pink pitaya matcha lattes are another one of my favorites.