All About Green Tea: Why It’s Good for You and the Risk of Drinking Too Much

What Exactly Is Green Tea?

All tea comes from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, but the leaves are processed differently to make green, black, and oolong tea, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Green tea leaves are not allowed to oxidize, which accounts for their fresh, almost grassy flavor.

Tea drinking is a ritual that people have been practicing for centuries, dating back to 2737 B.C. in Asia, according to some accounts. It’s known for its high content of antioxidants called catechins (more on those later) and is also beloved for its crash- and jitter-free dose of caffeine, thanks to its generous supply of L-theanine, an amino acid that research has found to have a calming effect on the nervous system. Melissa Salazar, an International Tea Master Association–certified tea master, says that green tea has the highest quantity of L-theanine compared with other teas. “It helps to increase brain waves, which induces deep relaxation and increases focus,” she adds. “This makes green tea a very special plant indeed.”

Some small studies have observed this, finding the L-theanine to increase alpha wave emission in people with anxiety, as well as improve mental alertness. A study of 69 Japanese men and women found that it improved attention and memory-related tasks.

With that said, some green tea blends have more caffeine than others, and matcha, a popular powdered form of green tea, has the most. That’s because it’s made by grinding the entire Camellia sinensis leaf, explains Salazar, and is delivered to the body in its entirety, as opposed to tea leaves that are steeped in water and then removed prior to serving. Matcha’s unique preparation also makes it more plentiful in the good stuff, like antioxidants.

Today, green tea is still most commonly sipped in drink form, but it’s also finding its way into supplements, skin care, and more.

 

The best mops for different floors are tried and tested

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Cleaning hard floors can be tedious, but the best mops have been designed with ease and efficiency in mind. Most use microfibre cloths that pick up and grip onto a lot of dirt, meaning you can get the job done faster.

Some are self-wringing, others are designed for both wet and dry mopping, and many have telescopic handles that can be extended or shortened to suit your height. Spray mops, which do away with the need for a bucket, can come in handy too.

If you want squeaky clean floors on any budget, we've tested and selected the best mops available to shop now.

2. Best Keyboards - Winter 2023 

3. If you're looking for a solid option that's not too expensive and not too cheap, we recommend the Logitech MX Keys. This keyboard goes back to basics and uses scissor switches, which are the same switches found in laptop keyboards. If you've typed on a laptop keyboard before, you'll be familiar with how the MX Keys feel under your fingertips. You don't have to be a keyboard nerd to appreciate the attention to detail that Logitech put into this flagship office unit. At first glance, the frame looks metal, but surprisingly, it's a very solid, shimmery plastic that looks sleek and easily matches any desk setup.

   Each keycap has a little indent in the middle to help guide your fingertip to the direct center of the key, helping to reduce typos and make touch-typing even easier. On top of it all, this keyboard makes full use of Logitech's Options+ software, so you can use software features like Logitech Flow to use this keyboard across multiple devices at once. Alternatively, if you're looking to break away from your laptop keyboard and try something else out, we recommend the Keychron K10. It's a mechanical keyboard with good-quality switches right out of the box, and it's fully wireless. It uses Bluetooth to connect and even comes with both macOS and Windows keycaps, so you'll have full compatibility no matter what system you're

4. Best Lower Mid-Range Keyboard

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1. The Logitech G715 is an outstanding keyboard for its price point. Although it isn't nearly as customizable as the previously mentioned Keychron Q6, it has excellent features that provide a comfortable and satisfying experience. Along the top of the keyboard, there's a suite of lavender-colored media keys and a volume wheel to make skipping through your playlists a breeze. You can also easily change your connection style, switching between a paired Bluetooth device, or the USB receiver.

   As it's a wireless unit, you don't have to worry about cables, only to charge the battery, which lasts anywhere from 25-30 hours if you have the backlighting brightness set to max. So, if you don't use the backlighting, or dim it, it'll last you quite a bit longer. On the note of the backlighting, this keyboard has a very cool "underflow" effect thanks to the LED strip that goes around the frame. As an added plus, the TenKeyLess layout is great for freeing up extra room for your mouse, coffee, or whatever other amenities you want within arm's reach while you work or game.

   Best Mid-Range Keyboard

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13 Cleansers to Try if You Have Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

 If you have oily, acne-prone skin, starting your skin care routine off with the right cleanser can make a difference. If there’s any piece of advice we can offer, it’s to look for a formula that effectively and gently cleanses the skin without over-stripping it of moisture and natural oils. Bonus points if it also addresses while minimizing the risk for new ones. 

 

Whether you’re a gel cleanser loyalist or a cream cleanser connoisseur, there’s a facial cleanser out there that’s perfect for your  Find 13 formulas we love, ahead. 

13 Best Cleansers for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Best Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin With Tea Tree Oil

Thayers Blemish Clearing Cleanser

Infused with tea tree oil, salicylic acid, and glycerin, this gel cleanser works to detox clogged pores and clear up blackheads and whiteheads. It also contains aloe vera to ensure that the skin feels moisturized and smooth after application. 

Best Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin With Benzoyl Peroxide

CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

Try this foaming option, which contains 4% benzoyl peroxide, plus niacinamide and glycolic acid, to clear pimples and blackheads. The formula also lathers up into a foamy cream that will make it your new skincare staple.

 

Best Cleanser for Acne-Prone Skin and Large Pores

L'Oréal Paris 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleanser

A combo of glycolic and salicylic acids helps refine skin texture and make for smaller, less noticeable-looking pores over time. The non-drying formula gently yet effectively dissolves dead skin cells, keeping your pores from getting congested.

 

Best Gentle Cleanser for Oily Skin

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser

This no-frills oil-free cleanser is a classic pick for normal, oily and sensitive skin types. The fragrance-free formula lathers into a gentle foam that wipes out grime and makeup without disturbing your skin’s moisture balance.

 

Best Vegan Cleanser for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin

Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser

Formulated with 100% vegan ingredients and without parabens, phthalates and dimethicone, this cleanser was also made in the USA and comes in recyclable packaging. The best part, however, is the fragrant green gel, which is packed with a blend of (you guessed it) superfoods — including antioxidant-rich kale, spinach, and anti-inflammatory green tea.

 

Best Cleanser for Sensitive, Acne-Prone Skin

Vichy Normaderm PhytoAction Daily Deep Cleansing Gel

After just one wash with this cleanser, you should notice your skin looks less shiny. Over time, the blend of salicylic acid, zinc, and copper minerals helps clear skin and reduce the look of blackheads and blemishes.