White tea is not as popular as green and black tea , although it is the least processed and richest in antioxidants.
White tea is extracted from the Camellia sinensis plant, made from carefully selected buds and leaves , and has many health benefits thanks to its flavonoids, which are antioxidant compounds.
In this report, we learn about the benefits of white tea.
What is white tea?
White tea is made from the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant that green tea and black tea are made from, however, different processing methods give them their unique flavors and aromas.
White tea is the least processed of the three teas, and for this reason, it retains a high amount of antioxidants.
This is thought to be one of the reasons why studies have linked white tea to many health benefits. For example, white tea may help reduce the risk of heart disease, fight skin aging , and even aid in weight loss .
White tea offers the least amount of caffeine compared to green tea and black tea, however, the actual caffeine content in white tea can vary based on the plant and the region where it was grown.
how to prepare
Measure out about 2 grams of tea leaves per cup of water , given its delicate flavour. White tea is best brewed in water with a temperature of 170 to 185 degrees Fahrenheit (76 to 85 degrees Celsius).
Many sources state that steeping white tea for a little longer than other teas can make the flavor stronger. You can only let it steep for 2-3 minutes, while some recommend up to five minutes.
Both can be experimented to find the steeping time that provides the flavor you enjoy, and because of the delicate flavor of this tea, it is recommended that you enjoy it without milk , cream, sugar , or honey .
Health benefits of white tea
The benefits of white tea have been proven by numerous scientific studies, including:
May reduce the risk of heart disease
Heart disease is closely related to chronic inflammation, which is linked to many factors, including: diet, exercise , and unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking.
Polyphenols like those found in white tea may help reduce the risk of heart disease in several ways, for example, by relaxing blood vessels and boosting immunity . Other studies have found that polyphenols may prevent the formation of harmful LDL cholesterol , another risk factor for heart disease. .
Rich in antioxidants
White tea is rich in a type of polyphenol called catechins. Polyphenols are plant molecules that act as antioxidants within the body. Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals .
Free radicals cause a lot of damage to the body such as the effects of aging , chronic inflammation , a weakened immune system and a variety of other diseases .
According to studies, white tea is one of the best types of tea for fighting free radicals. A study found that white tea extract can help protect animal nerve cells from damage caused by free radicals called hydrogen peroxide.
Helps lose weight
Green tea is often the first tea that comes to mind when you think of tea for weight loss, however, white tea may be just as effective when it comes to burning fat .
Both teas contain similar levels of caffeine and catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a compound in green tea linked to fat burning.
For example, a study found that white tea extract was able to stimulate lipolysis and prevent the formation of new fat cells, and this was largely due to EGCG.
A review of a number of studies also suggests that white tea may help boost metabolism by an additional 4-5%, which could be the equivalent of burning an extra 70 to 100 calories per day.
It contains compounds that may fight cancer
Several studies have found that white tea may have anti-cancer effects. In one study , white tea extract caused cell death in several types of lung cancer .
Other studies have looked at the effects of white tea on colon cancer cells, and studies have discovered that white tea extract suppresses the growth of colon cancer cells and prevents them from spreading, and the antioxidants present in white tea protect normal cells from damage caused by harmful molecules.
Helps protect teeth from bacteria
White tea is a great source of fluoride and catechins. This combination of molecules can help strengthen teeth by fighting bacteria and sugar. Fluoride can help prevent tooth decay by making the surface of teeth more resistant to acid attacks that occur from bacteria and sugar.
Catechins are plant antioxidants that are abundant in white tea and have been shown to inhibit the growth of plaque bacteria.
Reduces the risk of insulin resistance
Insulin is a very important hormone. It helps transfer nutrients from the bloodstream to cells for later use or storage. However, due to several factors, including high sugar consumption, some people stop responding to insulin. This is called insulin resistance. .
Insulin resistance is very common and is linked to many chronic health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and metabolic syndrome.
Studies have found that polyphenols in white tea may reduce the risk of insulin resistance, and animal studies have also found that EGCG and polyphenols in white tea may enhance the effects of insulin and prevent high blood sugar levels.
Helps combat skin aging
Extrinsic aging occurs when environmental factors damage the skin and promote aging, for example, the sun's ultraviolet rays can damage the skin over time by causing inflammation.
Intrinsic aging is natural aging, caused by damage from a variety of factors within your body, such as free radicals and certain enzymes.
Compounds in white tea may help protect your skin from the effects of both internal and external aging. In one study , scientists discovered that applying white tea extract to the skin helped protect against the harmful effects of the sun's UV rays.
May protect against osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a health condition in which bones become hollow and brittle. Studies have shown that free radicals and chronic inflammation may accelerate osteoporosis. These two factors may suppress cells that help bone growth and promote cells that break down bone.
Conversely, the catechins in white tea have been shown to fight these risk factors. They are thought to suppress cells that break down bone. Catechins are more abundant in white tea than in other types of tea.
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