This study was a 12 week, double-blind randomized placebo controlled study. Double-blind meaning the participants and study coordinators did not know whether they received the green tea or placebo. There were 60 female participants and those that got the green tea beverage were provided with 1402 mg/d of catechins. This could translate to about 5 cups of green tea per day (depending on the type of green tea leaves) - an amount that I could see myself drinking but possibly not everyday. However, while living in Taiwan, there were tea stands selling tea drinks (hot and cold) on practically every corner and these would often be about 2 cups of tea per serving. In the summer I would easily drink 5 cups of green tea per day.
Above are pics of a bottle of green tea sold in Taiwan, but can also be found in North America in Asian supermarkets. The back of the bottle shows the amount of catechins per bottle and although blurry, I believe it is about 560mg.
But, back to the results...the study reported that the group receiving the green tea beverage had better UV protection as well as increased blood flow and oxygen delivery to the skin. A positive effect on skin elasticity, roughness, density, and water homeostasis was also found. I have not read the full article but this sounds very promising and I hope to get my hands on a copy soon! Women spend thousands of dollars on skin care products and cosmetics to have better looking skin and a more youthful appearance, so if these results can be shown again in larger studies, drinking tea everyday as an adjunct to our skin care rituals would be a benefit...beauty from within.
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