White Tea
White tea is known to be one of the most delicate tea varieties because it is so minimally processed. White tea is harvested before the tea plant’s leaves open fully, when the young buds are still covered by fine white hairs, hence the name “white” tea.
These buds and unfurled leaves from the newest growth on the tea plant are handpicked and then quickly and meticulously dried, so the leaves are not allowed to oxidize as long as leaves plucked for green or black tea production. This minimal processing and low oxidation results in some of the most delicate and freshest tea available.
Benefits of White Tea
1. It’s Rich in Antioxidants
White tea is loaded with a type of polyphenols called catechins. Polyphenols are plant-based molecules that act as antioxidants inside the body. Antioxidants protect the cells from damage by compounds called free radicals. Too much free-radical damage can have harmful effects on the body. It is linked to aging, chronic inflammation, a weakened immune system and a variety of harmful diseases. Fortunately, white tea seems to be one of the best types of teas for fighting free radicals. In fact, studies suggest white tea has similar antioxidant benefits to green tea, which is known for its health benefits.
2. May Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It is strongly linked to chronic inflammation, which has been associated with a variety of factors. These include diet, exercise and lifestyle habits like smoking. Polyphenols like those found in white tea may help reduce the risk of heart disease in several ways.
3. Could Help You Lose Weight
Green tea is often the first tea that comes to mind when you think of teas for weightloss. However, white tea may be just as effective when it comes to burning fat. Both teas have similar levels of caffeine and catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a compound in green tea linked to burning fat. Together, these compounds seem to have a synergistic effect.
4. Help Protect Your Teeth from Bacteria
White tea is a great source of fluoride, catechins and tannins. This combination of molecules could help strengthen teeth by fighting bacteria and sugar. Fluoride can help prevent dental cavities by making the surface of teeth more resistant to acid attacks by bacteria in combination with sugar. Catechins are plant antioxidants that are abundant in white tea. They’ve been shown to inhibit the growth of plaque bacteria.
5. Has Compounds That May Fight Cancer
Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States. Several test-tube studies have found that white tea may have anticancer effects. In one test-tube study, white tea extract triggered cell death in several types of lung cancers. The studies discovered that white tea extract suppressed the growth of colon cancer cells and stopped them from spreading. The antioxidants in white tea extract also protected normal cells from damage by harmful molecules.
6. May Lower the Risk of Insulin Resistance
Insulin is an incredibly important hormone. It helps move nutrients from the bloodstream into the cells to be used or stored for later. However, as a result of several factors, including high sugar consumption, some people stop responding to insulin. This is called insulin resistance. Sadly, insulin resistance is very common and is linked to many chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and metabolic syndrome. Interestingly, studies have found that polyphenols like the ones in white tea may lower your risk of insulin resistance.
7. Compounds in White Tea May Protect Against Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a health condition in which the bones become hollow and porous. It affects as many as 44 million Americans over the age of 50, and may lead to fractures and a lower quality of life. Studies have shown that free radicals and chronic inflammation may accelerate osteoporosis. These two factors may suppress cells that aid bone growth and promote cells that break down bones. Conversely, catechins that are found in white tea have been shown to fight these risk factors. They’re thought to suppress cells that break down bones.
8. May Help Combat Skin Aging
As people grow older, it’s normal for their skin to wrinkle and become looser. Skin aging happens in two main ways — internal aging and external aging. External aging occurs when environmental factors damage skin and promote aging. For example, the sun’s UV rays can damage skin over time through inflammation. Internal aging is also known as natural aging. It is caused by damage from a variety of factors inside your body, like free radicals and certain enzymes. Enzymes called elastase and collagenase may damage the skin’s fiber network, which normally helps it stay tight and firm. The compounds in white tea may help protect your skin from the effects of both internal and external aging.
9. May Help Protect Against Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Diseases
Compounds in white tea, like the polyphenol EGCG, may lower the risk of developing Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. Test-tube and animal studies have shown that EGCG can suppress free radicals, reduce inflammation and reduce other risk factors for both diseases. For example, several test-tube studies have shown that EGCG can prevent proteins from inappropriately folding and clumping together.
10. It Is Easy to Prepare
White tea is not only healthy — it is also very easy to prepare.
1. Heat water till it boils.
2. Take 4 to 5 White Tea Buds.
3. Turn off the stove and put the leaves inside.
4. Leave the Mixture for not more than 3 minutes.
5. Strain the Tea.
6. Enjoy your Hot Cup of White Tea.