By now, you’ve probably heard all about the benefits of green tea. One or two cups of green tea a day; is said to lower blood pressure, relieve inflammation, reduce the risk of heart disease, and even boost memory. Other types of tea such as black tea, dandelion tea, or hibiscus tea are well known for their health benefits. What about white tea?
White tea is often overlooked among the more popular tea varieties. However, it has just as many health benefits as any other type of tea and offers a distinctive sweet and mild flavor. In other words, it is actually a tea that appeals to the palate if it is tasted.
It contains a nutrient profile comparable to green tea and is also called “mild green tea” because of its similar appearance. Similar to green tea; It has been associated with many health benefits, including improved brain, reproductive and oral health. In particular, it lowers cholesterol and accelerates fat burning.
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What is White Tea?
White tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. This is the same herb used to make other types of tea, such as green or black tea. Although mostly harvested in China; It is also produced in other regions such as Thailand, India, Taiwan, and Nepal.
This type of tea is one of the least acidic teas. The plant is harvested while still young, resulting in a very distinctive flavor. The flavor of white tea is often described as delicate and slightly sweet and has a much milder flavor as it is not oxidized like other types of tea. Like other types of tea, white tea is rich in polyphenols, catechins, and antioxidants. As such, it has been associated with a number of health benefits, such as increased fat burning, the expulsion of cancer cells.
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What Are the Benefits of White Tea?
1. Contains High Antioxidants
2. Improves Oral Health
3. Fat Burner
4. May Kill Cancer Cells
5. Improve Reproductive Health
6. Protect Brain Health
7. Reduces Cholesterol Levels
1. Contains High Antioxidants
White tea is loaded with antioxidants that help fend off harmful free radicals and help cells resist oxidative stress. These beneficial compounds have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Some studies, such as research published in the Journal of Food Science and conducted in the Department of Biology at Lehman College, have found that white teas and green teas contain comparable levels of antioxidants and polyphenols. White tea contains tons of antioxidants and is even considered one of the highest antioxidant foods.
Drinking one or two cups of white tea a day can have a huge impact on your health. In fact, in an animal study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, daily consumption; They found that antioxidant status improved and prevented oxidative damage in mice. To get the best result; Establish a diet that includes two cups of white/green tea a day and antioxidant-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables twice a day.
2. Improves Oral Health
It contains many compounds that can help promote oral health, including plant compounds such as polyphenols and tannin.
These compounds can help reduce plaque formation by blocking the growth of bacteria. In addition, the fluoride found in white tea has a high bioavailability, which can prevent cavities. According to research published in the Dental Research Journal, it is estimated that the fluoride in each cup provides approximately 34% protection to the teeth; This can help prevent cavities and your oral health.
3. Fat Burner
Studies have revealed that white and green tea have similar levels of catechins. Catechins are plant compounds with antioxidant properties that help you start burning fat and boost your metabolism.
A test-tube study out of Germany published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism showed that white tea extract caused the breakdown of fat cells and also inhibited the formation of new fat cells. Other natural fat breakers are grapefruit essential oil, cherry, coconut oil, and bone broth.
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4. May Kill Cancer Cells
Thanks to its high concentration of antioxidants, some studies have found that white tea may have cancer-fighting properties.
A test-tube study published in Cancer Prevention Research treated lung cancer cells with white tea extract, which was found to kill cancer cells. Another test-tube study from the University of Malaya, Malaysia showed that white tea extract stopped the spread of colon cancer cells and could work to protect healthy cells from damage. In addition to white tea, other antioxidant-rich foods include berries, ginger, turmeric, and leafy greens.
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5. Improves Reproductive Health
Multiple studies have found that white teas can help promote reproductive health and increase fertility, especially in men.
In an animal study outside Portugal, giving white tea to prediabetic mice; was found to prevent testicular oxidative damage caused by free radicals and help maintain sperm quality. A 2016 animal study published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry noted that giving white tea extract to animals with prediabetes improved sperm quality by increasing their ability to move and renew vitality.
6. Protects Brain Health
Studies show that white tea can help protect your brain health due to its high catechin content.
In 2011, a test-tube study from the University of San Jorge in Spain showed that white tea extract effectively protected mouse brain cells against oxidative stress and toxicity. Another test-tube study from Spain published in Neurotoxicity Research; found that white tea extract prevented oxidative damage in brain cells.
It also contains a similar antioxidant profile to green tea, which has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline in the elderly.
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7. Reduces Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the blood. Although your body needs cholesterol, it is in excess; It can cause plaque to build up in the arteries and cause the arteries to narrow and harden.
White tea benefits your heart health by helping lower cholesterol levels. In an animal study, treating diabetic rats with white tea extract resulted in reduced levels of total and bad LDL cholesterol.
Other ways to lower cholesterol; include increasing naturally healthy omega-3 fatty acids and higher fiber foods and limiting sugar intake, refined carbohydrates, trans fat, and alcohol.
How to Brew White Tea?
You can find white tea in herbalists, spice shops, and even in large supermarkets.
In fact, when it comes to making tea, using over-boiled hot water can reduce the flavor and even deplete the nutrients found in the tea. For best results, bring the water to a bubbling boil, turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes; then pour it over the tea leaves.
White teas leaf is not as compact and dense as other tea leaves, so every 200ml. It is best to use at least two teaspoons of leaves for water.
The longer you brew the tea (not on the fire, but in boiling water); It will provide stronger flavor and more concentrated nutrients.
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