Latest news with #EGCG
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
5 reasons why you should replace your everyday coffee with Matcha; health expert shares unbelievable benefits
Matcha is an increasingly popular coffee alternative, especially among Gen Z. It is a concentrated form of green tea that involves grinding the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant into a fine powder. Since the entire tea leaf is consumed rather than steeped, the drink has a higher concentration of caffeine and antioxidants as compared to a typical green tea. But have you ever imagined what happens if you replace your everyday coffee with matcha? Let's find out. According to a study published in PubMed, the plants used for matcha are grown in the shade, which boosts their amino acid content. Hence, due to its purported benefits, many members of Gen Z are swapping out their morning coffee for matcha. In research conducted by the Department of Environmental Medicine and Population Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, there is a link between drinking more than 120 millilitres of green tea and a decreased risk of gallbladder and bile duct cancer. Apart from this, it helps in: Supporting cognitive function Preventing certain diseases, such as cancer Supporting weight loss Why should you replace your everyday coffee with matcha? Many of us use coffee to jump-start our day in today's fast-paced day and age. But replacing your usual coffee habit with matcha might give you a milder, protracted boost, minus the jittery comedown. Health experts claim that the ultra-fine ground powder of specially grown green tea leaves known as matcha is a nutritional powerhouse. Matchas can be a delicious switch from plain coffee, but it's important to be mindful of how they're made. "Café-style mochas are often high in sugar, cream, and syrups, so I recommend enjoying them occasionally. For a healthier option, ask for low-fat or plant-based milk, skip the whipped cream, and reduce added syrups. Better still, a homemade mocha using unsweetened cocoa and minimal sweetener offers antioxidants from cocoa and a steady caffeine boost, without unnecessary calories. It's a smarter, more balanced way to indulge daily," says Dr. Swati Sharma, dietitian and nutritionist, PRB Healthcare. 5 reasons why you should replace your everyday coffee with matcha Unlike coffee, which releases caffeine all at once and can lead to energy highs and lows, matcha offers a calm, focused energy. Cognitive health: 'Matcha has a very special amino acid called L-theanine that awakens you for learning but provides a state of relaxation without causing you to feel tired. When combined with caffeine, it increases alertness and mental clarity without the usual coffee crash,' says Jeevan Kasara, Director and CEO, Steris Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. Metabolism: "Matcha is high in antioxidants, especially catechins such as EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which I hear are good for increasing the efficiency of metabolism, promoting heart health, and decreasing inflammation. Its detoxifiers also help keep the body clean naturally." Cooling effect: The vibrant green colour and subtly sweet, earthy flavour taste good hot or cold and make for a healthful, "cooler" alternative. Alleviates acidity problems: Being that matcha is a more alkaline substance, it's much gentler and may alleviate some problems such as acidity or bloating,' the expert adds. Mental health: Match offers a calming effect to the brain and helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Changes in the body when you shift from coffee to matcha The transition to matcha might be gentler on the stomach. 'Coffee is acidic and can irritate the digestive system, especially in some people who already have sensitive GI tracts.' 'If you're after a stable source of energy, mental clarity, and good health, matcha is a cool and healthy alternative to your daily coffee. It's more than a trend; it's a science-supported lifestyle upgrade.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Matcha for glowing skin: Proven benefits and simple ways to use it every day
For centuries, matcha has been cherished in Japan as more than just tea. This finely ground powder of specially cultivated green tea leaves has become a global favourite—and for good reason. Beyond being a calming drink, matcha is packed with powerful antioxidants and skin-loving nutrients that make it a standout ingredient for skincare. From DIY masks to lattes, matcha might just be your secret to radiant, glowing skin. What is matcha and how does it support glowing skin from within? Matcha is a vibrant green powder made from young Camellia sinensis leaves. To boost its nutrient content, the plants are shaded from direct sunlight weeks before harvest, enhancing chlorophyll and amino acids. The leaves are then steamed, dried, and stone-ground into a fine powder. Unlike regular green tea, where you steep and discard the leaves, matcha lets you consume the entire leaf—delivering more antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals per cup. There are three main grades of matcha: Ceremonial grade: Highest quality, used in traditional tea ceremonies Premium grade: Ideal for daily drinking Culinary grade: More bitter, best for cooking and baking Matcha is particularly rich in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a type of catechin shown to be a potent antioxidant. According to a study, EGCG helps neutralise free radicals, protects skin cells from UV damage, and slows collagen breakdown—factors that contribute to ageing and dullness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dubai's Next Icon: Experience Binghatti Aquarise Luxury Binghatti Developers FZE Learn More Undo In fact, matcha contains up to 137 times more EGCG than regular green tea, making it a powerhouse for fighting oxidative stress and supporting skin health. Matcha's anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects for skin Chronic inflammation is linked to common skin concerns like acne, rosacea, and eczema. EGCG has the ability to reduce inflammatory cytokines and calm the skin. Matcha also contains rutin, a flavonoid known for its soothing properties. Plus, its high content of chlorophyll, vitamin E, riboflavin (B2), and niacin (B3) contributes to skin detoxification, cellular repair, and improved skin texture. These nutrients help maintain a strong skin barrier, regulate oil production, and reduce redness. Collagen support and anti-ageing benefits of matcha for glowing skin Sun exposure is responsible for up to 80% of visible facial ageing. Studies have shown that EGCG not only helps prevent sun-induced skin damage but also promotes the production of collagen and skin hydration. A study found that topical application of green tea polyphenols significantly improved skin elasticity and reduced fine lines. Matcha also contains caffeine, which boosts circulation and reduces puffiness, giving skin a firmer, more radiant look. Everyday use of matcha for glowing skin: topically and internally Using matcha directly on the skin can provide visible benefits thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Here are two easy DIY face masks you can try at home: Matcha & honey mask: Mix 1 tsp matcha powder with 1 tbsp raw honey. Leave on for 15 minutes for hydration and anti-inflammatory benefits. Matcha & yogurt mask: Combine 1 tsp matcha with 1 tbsp plain yogurt. This brightens skin and refines pores. Skincare products: Look for matcha-infused face masks, cleansers, or serums with premium-grade matcha listed as a main ingredient. Always patch test new products before applying them fully. Drinking matcha for skin health: Drinking matcha supports skin from within. It's rich in antioxidants, boosts metabolism, and regulates stress—all of which impact skin clarity and ageing. Try a matcha latte, smoothie, or matcha oatmeal. Safe use and storage tips: Choose organic ceremonial-grade matcha for the best results. Store in an airtight container away from light and heat to preserve potency. Patch test topical applications before using widely. Matcha isn't just a trend; it's a holistic ingredient rooted in centuries of use and backed by modern science. Whether you apply it to your skin or sip it daily, matcha offers multiple pathways to achieving radiant, healthy-looking skin. Also Read: Why hairfall increases during monsoon and what can you do about it
Time of India
11-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Popular herbal supplement sent a healthy woman to the ER with liver damage; 5 common supplements that can be fatal to your heart and liver
Turmeric has gained popularity for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, but it may not be as safe as many believe. Recent reports show a rise in serious liver injuries linked to turmeric supplements, with some cases nearing liver failure. One alarming example is – as NBC News reported – a woman who took 2,250 mg daily after seeing an influencer's recommendation and ended up in the hospital with enzyme levels 60 times higher than normal, just a step away from needing a liver transplant, according to her doctor. While turmeric is generally safe in cooking, concentrated supplements, especially those mixed with black pepper extract for better absorption, can overwhelm the liver. The World Health Organization recommends an upper limit of about 200 mg of turmeric for someone weighing 150 pounds, while many supplements offer up to ten times that amount. Research from JAMA Network Open shows turmeric is now one of the most common herbal causes of toxic hepatitis in the US, and a study in Liver Transplantation reported an eightfold increase in supplement-induced liver failure from 1995 to 2020. Since 2004, the NIH's Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network has found that around 20% of liver toxicity cases are linked to supplements, with turmeric-related injuries increasing significantly. Supplements often promise quick health boosts, but some pose serious – and even fatal – risks to your heart and liver. From herbal extracts to vitamins and weight‑loss aids, certain products carry hidden dangers. Here are five supplements that can cause fatal heart or liver damage. Turmeric (Curcumin) Liver risks: Turmeric supplements are praised for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, but high-dose curcumin can lead to liver enzyme elevation, hepatitis, and even liver failure. Heart-thinning effects: Additionally, curcumin has blood-thinning properties – dangerous when taken with anticoagulants or pre-existing bleeding disorders – potentially causing hemorrhagic events and strokes. Moderation and monitoring: Use only moderate doses under medical supervision, and avoid combining turmeric supplements with other blood-thinning medications without a healthcare provider's approval. Green Tea Extract Benefits vs. risks: Green tea extract (GTE), rich in EGCG catechins, is lauded for weight loss and antioxidant health benefits. However, high-dose supplements have repeatedly been associated with severe liver toxicity, sometimes requiring transplantation. Clinical case reviews show acute hepatitis within weeks of starting GTE products, with symptoms like jaundice and elevated liver enzymes. The European Food Safety Authority warns that daily intakes above 800 mg EGCG can damage the liver. Heart concerns: In addition, green tea extract contains caffeine, which can spike blood pressure and heart rate, triggering palpitations or arrhythmia – especially in individuals with pre-existing hypertension. Safe use tips: If you're taking green tea capsules, stick strictly to recommended doses – ideally under 338 mg of EGCG per day – or drink powdered tea, which is safer. Monitor liver function if usage is ongoing. Niacin (Vitamin B3) Liver toxicity: Niacin is commonly used in high doses for cholesterol control. But medicinal doses – especially sustained-release forms – often cause elevated liver enzymes and, in rare cases, fulminant hepatic failure within days to weeks. Heart and metabolic effects: While niacin can raise HDL 'good' cholesterol, it may exacerbate insulin resistance and negatively affect cardiovascular health when misused. Guidelines: If using niacin therapeutically, it's essential to undergo regular liver monitoring and consult with a specialist to balance benefits and risks. Yohimbine Cardiac risks: Yohimbine, derived from yohimbe bark and used for libido, fat loss, and athletic performance, stimulates the nervous system – raising blood pressure and heart rate, sometimes dangerously. Emergency cases: Overdoses have led to headaches, panic attacks, seizures, and acute cardiac events, including arrhythmias and potentially fatal incidents. Safe use advice: If considering yohimbine, speak with a doctor – especially if you have hypertension or cardiac disease. Even small overdoses can have disproportionately severe effects. Red Yeast Rice Liver and heart impacts: Once used as a natural statin, red yeast rice contains monacolins similar to lovastatin, but is often contaminated with citrinin – a mycotoxin that can cause liver damage and kidney harm. Known side effects include muscle pain, elevated liver enzymes, and in rare instances, liver failure. Heart considerations: Being pharmacologically similar to statins, red yeast rice may also impact muscle and cardiac function. Side effects must be monitored. Precautions: Anyone using cholesterol-lowering medications or with liver concerns should avoid red yeast rice or use only standardized medicinal versions under doctor supervision. Final thoughts: Why "natural" isn't always safe Regulatory Gaps: Unlike pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements lack rigorous pre-market safety testing, which allows high doses and contaminants to slip through. Dosage matters: Even healthful compounds can prove toxic at high levels: vitamin A, D, and E have known overdose risks, including liver and heart damage. Hidden interactions: Supplements can thin blood, elevate blood pressure, or interact dangerously with prescription medications. False assurance: Just because a product is "herbal" or sold as a capsule doesn't mean it's harmless. Multiple case studies link supplements like Hydroxycut and Garcinia cambogia to liver transplants or death. Doctors stress that consumers should approach supplements with the same caution as prescription medications. What seems like a simple wellness habit could lead to serious harm. If you're taking turmeric pills or any herbal supplements, consult your doctor and watch for signs like fatigue, nausea, or dark urine. Remember, in the world of supplements, more isn't always better. Missouri trans people could lose treatment access
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Green tea hair rinse: The quiet little trick for stronger roots
We usually think of green tea as something to drink on a calm morning or after a long day, something that feels healthy, light, and good for the system. But that same calming cup might be just what your hair has been waiting for. It sounds almost too simple, but rinsing your hair with green tea can do more than you'd expect, especially if you're struggling with weak roots, hair fall, or a tired, itchy scalp. Green tea is full of antioxidants, not the kind you need a science degree to understand, but the kind that quietly protect your body (and your scalp) from everyday damage. One of the big players in green tea is something called EGCG. What it does is improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and support the growth of strong, healthy hair from the root. You won't see it working in real time, but give it a few weeks and you might just feel your hair behaving a little differently less fall, more life. Making a rinse is surprisingly easy. Just boil two cups of water, drop in two green tea bags, and let them steep until the water cools down completely. That's it. After washing your hair like you normally would (shampoo only — skip the conditioner for this), pour the cooled green tea slowly onto your scalp and along your hair. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like رؤية السعودية 2030: طرق لبناء ثروتك مع محفظة حديثة شركة فيشر العربية للاستثمارات Undo Massage it in gently, like you're encouraging it to sink in a bit. Wait for five minutes, then rinse it out with plain water. You don't need fancy hair masks or complicated routines for this to work. Doing it twice a week is more than enough. Over time, your roots start to feel a little stronger, the scalp a little calmer, and your hair picks up a soft, natural shine — the kind that doesn't come from silicone or spray bottles. It's not an overnight miracle, but it's a kind, consistent way of giving your hair what it quietly needs. What makes green tea rinsing special isn't just the results, it's the feeling of doing something gentle and nourishing for yourself without any fuss. No chemicals, no heavy scents, no long product labels. Just something simple, affordable, and good. You boil water, you let the tea cool, and you pour. It doesn't get more real than that. In a world full of products promising instant results, the green tea rinse stands apart. It doesn't shout. It just works slowly, quietly, and with a kind of honesty your hair will notice. Try it. You've probably already got everything you need.
NDTV
01-07-2025
- Health
- NDTV
Phytonutrients: What They Are, What They Do And Why You Need Them
There is a reason nutritionists will always nudge you towards eating the rainbow. Fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes - they are not just full of fibre or vitamins. They are also loaded with something called phytonutrients, and these plant compounds are what really keep things ticking inside your body. Found in everything from your post-gym green tea to the broccoli you have been ignoring on your plate, phytonutrients have been linked to better immunity, reduced inflammation, and yes, even lower cancer risk - though let us not pretend they are magic bullets. So what are they exactly, and how do they help? We broke it down. What Are Phytonutrients? Phytonutrients (also called phytochemicals) are natural compounds that plants produce to defend themselves from stress, such as UV rays, pests, and diseases. When we eat these plants, we benefit too. The bonus? These compounds may help fight oxidative stress in our bodies, reduce inflammation, and support immunity. In other words, they are low-key multitaskers. And the best part? They are everywhere in a regular Indian diet - from masala chai to mangoes. The 4 Main Types Of Phytonutrients You Need To Know: 1. Flavonoids Where to find them: Fruits, vegetables, tea, and red wine Why they matter: Flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They help neutralise free radicals - those unstable molecules that mess with your cells. Look out for: Quercetin (apples, onions), catechins (green tea), anthocyanins (berries) 2. Carotenoids Where to find them: Orange and red fruits and veggies Why they matter: Carotenoids support your immune system and help keep cell damage in check. Look out for: Beta-carotene (carrots), lycopene (tomatoes, watermelon), lutein (leafy greens) 3. Glucosinolates Where to find them: Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts Why they matter: These are your detox squad. When digested, they break down into compounds that support the body's natural detox process. Look out for: Sulforaphane (broccoli sprouts), indole-3-carbinol (cabbage) 3. Polyphenols Where to find them: Tea, grapes, turmeric Why they matter: Polyphenols are known to reduce inflammation and may even play a role in slowing down cell ageing. Look out for: Resveratrol (grapes, red wine), curcumin (turmeric), EGCG (green tea) So, How Do They Help Exactly? Let us keep it simple: They help fight inflammation They protect cells from damage They support your immune system They may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases over time A lot of this happens through antioxidant action, which means these compounds help reduce stress on your body's cells, keeping them functioning properly and not going rogue. Some early studies even suggest that certain phytonutrients may help slow the growth of abnormal cells - but again, think of this as support, not treatment. 4 Of The Best Ways To Add Them To Your Diet: Mix up your fruits and veggies: Different colours = different compounds = more variety for your body to work with. Eat whole: Whole foods offer a natural combo of nutrients that work better together. Know when to cook: Lycopene in tomatoes gets stronger when cooked. But for cruciferous veggies, like broccoli, a quick steam is better than a full boil. Drink smart: Green tea is a great source of catechins, while turmeric in your dal or haldi doodh brings in curcumin. You do not need to chase superfoods to eat smart. Your everyday meals already carry powerful compounds that quietly support your health in the background. By eating a colourful, varied, mostly plant-forward diet, you are doing more than just feeding your body - you are giving it tools to fight inflammation, stay energised, and possibly even reduce long-term health risks. And if that comes with a side of turmeric rice or a glass of green tea, even better.
