Tea lovers need no reason to drink tea, but they too are confused which pot to pick. With so many options to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming. Health enthusiasts have been raving about the benefits of green tea, chamomile tea, black tea, hibiscus tea, but there is one more tea that’s sweeping the trends – white tea. So, in this blog, I bring to you some wonderful health benefits of white tea!
What exactly is white tea?
White tea is not black tea with milk!
White tea comes from Camellia Sinensis plant. This is the same plant that produces green and black tea. However, what makes white tea different is the process. They use the new buds and young leaves, that have fine white hair-like strands. These are carefully plucked and sun-dried in a controlled method to prevent oxidation.
White tea is the least processed of all the teas, and that means it retains the maximum antioxidants that are present in the leaves.
Also Read: Amazing benefits of Tulsi Tea
Health Benefits of White Tea
1. A super source of Antioxidants
This wonder tea is super rich in antioxidants. These natural antioxidants fight off fatigue, reverse the ill effects of stress, keep away your signs of aging and prevent a host of chronic and fatal diseases. Further, it helps to lower cholesterol, protects your heart health, abates the risks of cancer, and supports fat burn. Certain antioxidants in white tea also help in cell neuroprotection.
2. A Natural Antibacterial Agent
This exquisite tea is a natural killer of bacteria and viruses. There are many soaps and handwashes in the market that uses white tea as a key ingredient because of its antibacterial actions. Further, the antioxidants in white tea boost your entire immune system. This helps your body fight against a host of pathogens and guards against cold, flu, and other diseases.
3. Tea Leaves for Weight loss
Studies suggest that white tea can aid healthy weight loss. Researchers found that white tea may prevent the formation of fat cells, by preventing the process of adipogenesis. Further, being a super storehouse of antioxidants, white tea helps stimulate metabolism. It supports lipolysis, the process of burning fat in the body.
4. Control diabetes with a cup of tea
White Tea possesses anti-diabetic properties. It can help to prevent, manage and control the symptoms of Type2 diabetes. A 2011 Chinese study found that regular consumption of white tea lowered blood glucose levels by 48 percent.
The same study also said that drinking white tea is helpful in alleviating common troubles like excessive thirst and decreased plasma glucose levels. This magical tea leaf, further, lowers the risk of insulin resistance.
5. It alleviates Arthritis
This naturally blessed tea has great anti-inflammatory properties. Research says that drinking white tea regularly may reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. In rheumatoid arthritis, white tea may curb inflammation and joint damage. It can further pacify the aches and pains. Further, regular intake can improve bone density and strength. It may also provide relief from the symptoms of osteoporosis.
6. This tea keeps your heart healthy
Studies revealed two or more cups of white tea in a day can reduce the risk of death by heart attack by almost 50%. This is because white tea contains flavonoids, proven to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disorders. Regular intake protects your heart and the entire circulatory system. It reduces cholesterol, lowers triglyceride levels, thins the blood, and improves artery and blood vessel function. This further helps to prevent the hardening of arteries and blockage of blood flow
7. Tea that fires up your digestion
I often recommend white tea twice a day to patients suffering from bouts of indigestion and flatulence. It is also a natural detox agent and helps in the prevention of constipation.
8. It makes your teeth and gums strong!
White tea contains fluoride that makes your teeth and gums strong. Its antibacterial properties help squash the bacteria which causes plaque, tooth decay, and bad breath.
The flavonoids and tannins present in white tea can prevent tooth decay.
9. It’s a Cancer fighter
Recent researches on the health benefits of white tea have cited that it may help prevent certain types of cancers. Scientific studies revealed that white tea is a potential chemopreventive agent. Its extract may prompt apoptosis and may help in preventing new cell growth in lung cancer.
Further, it has antimutagenic properties and is packed with antioxidants and flavonoids. Thus, it may help the proliferation of cancer cells. Studies have already given a success rate of up to 50% in combating stomach, colon, and prostate cancer.
10. White Tea for your glowy skin
Being rich in antioxidants, this tea is a boon for the skin. Be it repairing and recovering damaged skin, or erasing early signs of aging, white tea works miracles. Studies have shown that regular intake of white tea can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its photoprotective properties protect the skin against the ultraviolet light.
Also Read: Tea in skincare
11. Drink your Stress down
White tea contains L-theanine that is proven to reduce mental and physical stress. It produces serotonin and dopamine in the brain that elevates mood, relieves stress, and reduces brain fatigue. It further contains polyphenols such as manganese, zinc, and selenium which improve memory and concentration.
Also Read: Samahan Herbal Tea
Caution! Side Effects of White Tea
- It can cause insomnia, dizziness and gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Consuming white tea late in the evening or before bed, can inhibit sleep.
- Topical use of white tea extract may cause skin irritation.
- If consumed in excess, white tea may cause heart problems too.
Other Benefits of White Tea
- Treats Hypothyroidism
- Improves Reproductive Health
- Improves Liver Health
- Suppresses muscles soreness after exercise
- Prevents fibrosis
Take away
White tea is an age-old wonder drink that has been used for centuries across cultures. It has an array of natural health benefits and calming effects. From improving your skin texture to preventing cancer, the health benefits of white tea are proven by researches. It is also advised in the management of blood sugar, blood pressure, heart health, liver function, oral health, and much more.
