Green Options » green tea

Meringue Cupcakes Made with Matcha Green Tea Powder

Julie Knapp — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:19:01 +0000

Cupcakes are still the dessert du jour, but forget chocolate and vanilla — try the green Matcha Meringue Cupcakes instead. Two secret ingredients give them a delicate green hue — finely grated lime peel and matcha green tea powder, a premium powdered green tea that’s used in the Japanese tea ceremony. Use organic ingredients to make the recipe even greener.

Even though these cupcakes are still a sugary, the addition of matcha green tea powder means each one will boast the benefits of green tea including weight loss, lowered blood pressure, decreased stress levels and increased energy. So when you try the Matcha Meringue Cupcakes recipe, you can feel a little less guilty about indulging.

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Green your Red-Hot Summer with Japan’s Number One Organic Green Tea Matcha

Gina Munsey — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 23:36:37 +0000

It’s nearing May in the heart of Japan’s Nishio area, and beneath the cover of carefully arranged netting, row after row of brilliant jade tencha tea plants are gradually hidden from the sun. As the sunlight fades and the plants retreat into the shade, growth of the plants’ leaves slows, allowing the chlorophyll and antioxidant content to increase.

And under this shaded refuge, Japan’s number one organic matcha is tenderly nurtured. Only the newest small leaves are harvested. After undergoing a gentle steaming process, the tiny leaves are kiln-dried and stone-ground into the AOI (Ah-oh-ee) Tea Company’s prized green matcha powder.

Matcha, which can be enjoyed a variety of different ways, offers a wealth of fantastic health benefits, including antibacterial and antiviral properties.

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The Handmade Spa, Part Two : DIY Sea Salt Scrubs, Cucumber Rose Masks & Tea Spritzers

Lucille Chi — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 05:45:35 +0000

Recently we shared some favorite handmade spa beauty highlights here on Crafting a Green World, and here is another spotlight on ways to create your own summer spa soothers from your own kitchen cupboard.

Below are some easy DIY tips to make your own homemade spa products such as refreshing sea salt scrubs, rose and cucumber facials, white and green tea spritzers and more. All of these ingredients are best organic and very easy to find.

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Christy Coleman’s Tips for At-Home Skin Care

Terri Bly — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 18:10:26 +0000

As Liz pointed out earlier today, you don’t need to go to the spa to pamper your face. In case her post has you inspired to try some do-it-yourself facials, here is Christy Coleman’s recipe for reviving tired skin and puffy eyes:

One of my all time favorite home beauty routines incorporates freshly brewed green tea, as a refreshing and antioxidant packed facial toner. Not only is it soothing to the skin because it is kept nice and cool in the fridge, it is rich in powerful antioxidants that are incredible for helping to reduce redness and inflammation, preventing sun damage, killing bacteria, toning, refreshing and tightening pores. Using an iced tea pitcher, I brew fresh green tea leaves weekly, and use the full pitcher throughout the week. I love the one that I have made by Lupica Fresh Tea.

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Guayakí Becomes First Fair Trade-Certified Yerba Mate

Timothy B. Hurst — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:04:41 +0000

If someone stopped you on the street and asked you to name the national drink of Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay would you:

A) Look at them funny and ask, “What is a Paraguay?”
B) Answer, “Coffee,” because how else do people function?
C) Proudly grab a gourd and silver bombilla from your bag?

If you answered C, then you already know about the popularity of Yerba Mate (pronounced mah-taay) tea throughout South America. And you probably also know about the health benefits of mate and that it boasts 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids and has more antioxidants than green tea. But what you may not know is that Guayakí, the Sebastopol, California-based yerba mate purveyor has just become the first company in the world to offer fair trade certified yerba mate through the Fair for Life certification program.

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Top 5 Foods for Healthy Skin

Liz Thompson — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:01:11 +0000

We are thinking about our skin now more than ever, with sleeveless tops, shorts and (shudder) bathing suits on the horizon. There are many things you can do to get the bod summer-ready. Starting with, of course, a healthier diet and picking up where we left that exercise program last fall. As for the skin, a little self tanner goes a long way, evening out skin tone and giving you a nice glow.

To have truly healthy skin from the inside out you absolutely have to think about what you are feeding it. Be sure you are using skin care and cosmetic products that are safe (free from harmful ingredients) and right for your skin type. But don’t stop there, your diet definitely shows up in your complexion.

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10 Foods to Prevent Cancer

Amy Bell — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:55:13 +0000

Every year more than 500,000 people die from cancer in the United States alone.

Many researchers and cancer specialists believe that up to 60% of those deaths can be prevented if Americans adopt healthier lifestyles.

According to Rachael Stolzenberg-Solomon, a researcher at the National Cancer Institute,

“The easiest and least expensive way to reduce your risk for cancer is just by eating a healthy diet.”

Here is an overview of ten important cancer fighting foods to include in your diet on a regular basis:

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Eight Foods for Healthy Skin

Lucille Chi — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 20:33:55 +0000

As winter approaches, it’s a great time to explore ways to keep our skin hydrated and healthy during the harsh weather ahead. Here are some wonderful skin foods that will keep your face looking fresh and youthful this season:

Lemon is purifying to the body and gives a lovely glow to the skin when consumed regularly with water (it may also help the body stay regular) or tea.
Apples: Did you know that organic red delicious and granny smith apples are excellent for the skin? Scientific studies have shown them to fortify both collagen and elastin production.
Aloe is known to draw oxygen to the skin and lock it in. Aloe also has fantastic anti-inflammatory properties and it heals burns and wounds when applied topically. Aloe makes a wonderful refreshing juice that cleanses and purifies our inner systems. Regularly drinking aloe helps to keep the body hydrated, so if you drink coffee, which is known to dehydrate the skin, try drinking aloe juice to balance your system.
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We Love Feelgood Tea Time :: Steep Mint, Green Tea, and Chamomile for Fresh Skin

Lucille Chi — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:40:54 +0000

Tea is so good for us to drink regularly, and tea also has amazing healing powers when applied on the skin. For example, mint tea is cleansing as a tea (with fresh mint leaves), a toner, and facial steam. It is especially delectable when combined with compliments like orange and lime:

Deep Steep Organic Moisture Stick (also featured here by Emma): Honeydew and Spearmint form a nice blend of sweet melon, and spearmint green tea, “& orange with a hint of lime. The perfect summertime scent for all year round. Gives lips loads of shine!” Offered at FutureNatural.com

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What to Wear When Bare this Summer!

Lucille Chi — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:55:35 +0000

Hats! Try this hip California Rising ‘We Are One’ Hat (shown here) which features breathable hemp, soft brushed organic cotton jersey, canvas with locally grown, milled and knitted organic cotton all dyed with low impact dyes. California Rising is a member of 1% For the Planet. I also like this visor from the Sierra Club, simply white and all organic.
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50 Ways To Great Summer Skin.

Emma Pezzack — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:45:16 +0000

BECOME SUN SAVVY:

1. Sunscreen. Every time you step outside your skin is exposed to UVA & UVB radiation whether it’s a cloudy day or sunny. It’s advisable to apply sunscreen prior to sun exposure and again 20-30 mins after being outdoors if you are in full sun. Apply after swimming regardless of water resistant formulations. The best kinds are those that contain no chemicals and instead use microfine titanium dioxide or zinc oxide that reflect and block the harmful rays from penetrating skin.

2. Find yourself a good natural or organic SPF lip balm that contains good amounts of skin emollients like plant and nut butters to keep your lips protected and smooth.

3. Invest in a decent pair of sunglasses - preferably the wrap around variety to protect the sides of your eyes/face. Good quality lenses are critical to shield the eyes and filter out UVA & UVB rays.

4. Besides a killer pair of gorgeous shades, a hat is the next most important piece of clothing for Summer. There are a huge number of styles out there to satisfy even the most discerning eco-fashionista among you!

5. Throw on cover-up. Lightweight but densely woven clothing is the best thing to act as a barrier. Remember, skin will burn even through your clothing so if you’re spending extended time outdoors, make sure you still have sunscreen on underneath your clothes and move to the shade as much as possible.

6. A pretty parasol or vintage umbrella will not only protect you but can make a beautiful and unique fashion statement.

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Glowing Naturally in the Summer Sun, Part I

Lucille Chi — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:59:20 +0000

The sun can boost brain levels of serotonin which is the neurotransmitter directly associated with good mood. Sun induced smiles are so wonderful. The best part is this happens simply when you see sunlght. So while taking a stroll outdoors for an hour is ideal, just ten minutes of fresh sunlight and a little glimmer in your eyes will help more than you know.Today, I’d love to share some glorious, all natural, summer skin savers, many of which you may have in your cupboard. These ingredients are all from nature and may help keep you healthy in the sunshine. Treats like apricots and pomegranate with refreshing tea and aloe coolers create healing elixers that will give you that summer glow naturally.

Green Tea contains Camellia Sinesis (its plant of origin) which is rich in polyphenols. Polyphenols are compounds that demonstrate protection from uv sun damage and prevention of oxidative stress. In fact it had been proven that applying green tea to the skin reduced the number of sunburn cells! I suggest making a toner from your extra tea bags because this summer we need all the skin saving shortcuts we can find.

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Arcona Skincare

Lucille Chi — Wed, 21 May 2008 14:57:03 +0000

Arcona is a genius natural skin healing line created by a chemist and pioneer in holistic skin care “long before it became trendy, she developed skin care products and treatments that would provide Hollywood celebrities—and women and men everywhere—with an alternative to cosmetic surgery and other harsh treatments to forestall the effects of aging.”

Their products may be found online and at select spas offering facials. None contain petrochemicals, binders or fillers, chemical stabilizers, parabens, sodium lauryl sulphates, perfumes, dyes, or any caustic, toxic ingredients.All Arcona ingredients are enzymatic-based which means they include high concentrations of antioxidants, plant lipids and extracts, sea vegetables, essential oils, vitamins and minerals. Think of live food for your skin in a sense. Since everything we put on our skin is absorbed by our bodies, the richer the nutrients the healthier our skin becomes.

ARCONA has a philosophy of beauty springing from within and truly believe everyone’s skin can and should look beautiful at any age whatever their history.

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