By Amy Weed , june 2010

Originating in China, green tea is a beverage that has been used in Asia for its health benefits since ancient times. Green tea, or Camellia sinensis, is different from other varieties of tea because it undergoes minimal oxidation during processing, allowing more of its natural antioxidants to remain in the drink. In the United States, the tea is now commonly known to promote heart health and prevent cancer; however, it is also being used for its beauty benefits. Containing high amounts of antioxidants, green tea is especially known for its antiaging properties.     

Although some people argue that there is no conclusive evidence of green tea's benefits, many studies show that it promotes an assortment of health benefits. Laboratory studies have shown that green tea can prevent cancer, diabetes and heart disease, and can also lower your cholesterol. Green tea also has antiaging properties and has been proven to stave off arthritis and dementia. This is attributed to green tea's high concentration of antioxidants, such as EGCG and vitamin C. 

Weight Loss

One of green tea's beauty benefits is that it promotes a slimmer figure. According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 1999, drinking several cups of green tea per day can increase metabolism. This helps your body burn calories faster and thereby lose weight. While the caffeine found in tea is known to increase metabolism, the study showed that drinking green tea burns calories faster than caffeine alone. In fact, even decaffeinated green tea can increase your metabolism. Adding green tea to your diet is a natural and effective way to increase weight loss, unlike some dangerous pill alternatives. 

Healthy Smile

Another beauty benefit of green tea is a more beautiful smile. Green tea contains fluoride, which can prevent tooth decay and the build-up of harmful plaque in the mouth. Also, since green tea destroys bacteria and prevents cavities, it can also prevent bad breath. All of these benefits can leave you with a healthier and younger-looking smile. 

Skin Benefits

The antioxidants in green tea flush away harmful toxins that can damage skin. This creates a natural antiaging effect on your skin. Drinking green tea can prevent wrinkles as well as sun spots, discolored areas on the skin caused by over-exposure to the sun. Several American skin care lines have begun using green tea as a main ingredient, like Aloe and Green Tea Oil-Free Moisturizer by Alba Botanica. As a natural antiseptic, blemishes, cuts and scrapes can also be treated with green tea. Use a cotton ball to dab a generous amount of green tea onto the affected area of your skin in order to disinfect and reduce inflammation. 

Considerations

For anyone looking for a natural health and beauty product, adding green tea to your diet can be beneficial. Many people use green tea as a substitute for coffee. While coffee can stain your teeth, green tea can actually have a whitening effect. It also contains a lower amount of caffeine and is healthier for your heart. The best way to prepare green tea is by using warm, but not boiling, water. Excessively hot water can kill the antioxidants in the drink, eliminating many of its benefits.