Did you have a tiring day? Then resorting to a hot cup of tea that lifts our spirits can be the perfect solution. But what if we told you that the white tea benefits go beyond uplifting your spirits? Yes! White tea originated in China and is now famous worldwide; it has various health benefits, including improved hair, skin, and oral health. Moreover, the benefits go way beyond the benefits of regular tea provides because white tea has an excellent nutritional profile.
White tea is made from the plant Camellia sinensis, which retains the most antioxidants because it is the least processed. The tea gets its name from the fact that the picking of leaves and buds is done just before they open completely and become covered in white hairs. Let us go through this article to learn more about the benefits of white tea and the risk factors. Read on!
White Tea Benefits and Side Effects:
Benefits of Drinking White Tea:
White tea is beneficial in numerous ways, aiding weight loss and treating diabetes being a few of them. Therefore, let us go through the article’s next section to learn more about white tea benefits in detail.
1. White Tea Benefits for Weight Loss:
Drinking all kinds of tea has been a popular suggestion when you want to lose weight. This is where white tea can be good for weight loss, which is a cost-effective and promising solution. As per a German study, white tea helps burn existing fat cells, which prevents new fat cell formation and aids in weight loss. Furthermore, compared to its other counterparts, white tea is less processed and can efficiently burn fat—the antiangiogenic properties of white tea catechins aid in preventing obesity (1).
Read: Is Black Tea Helpful for Weight Loss
2. Contains More Antioxidants:
White tea’s antioxidant benefits are attributed to the high amounts of polyphenols called catechins (2). The plant-based molecules act as antioxidants in our bodies and protect our bodies from free radicals (3). When free radical damage isn’t treated, you might face various harmful diseases, including a weakened system and chronic inflammation (4).
3. Anti-Inflammatory:
White tea’s anti-inflammatory properties are often attributed to the catechins present in the tea (5). These catechins prevent the risk of diseases linked to chronic inflammation by reducing the inflammation itself. In addition, the catechins present in white tea are found to accelerate recovery after exercise by suppressing muscle inflammation. EGCG is an antioxidant in white tea that can help your body reduce inflammation caused by environmental pollutants called atherosclerosis (6).
4. Beneficial for Diabetic Patients:
People with diabetes have increased significantly because of deteriorating habits and changing lifestyles. However, regarding its ability to prevent or treat diabetes, white tea has shown positive results. Regular consumption of white tea might significantly benefit patients with diabetes, as per human trials conducted in a Chinese study (7). It has also been shown white tea has reduced disease symptoms in studies on diabetes-induced rats(8). The anti-diabetic properties of white tea are attributed to the catechins in them.
5. Promotes Oral Health:
The fluorides, tannins, and flavonoids in white tea can benefit your teeth in several ways. For example, flavonoids might prevent the plaque bacteria’s growth, tannins inhibit plaque formation, and fluoride helps reduce caries efficiently (9). In addition, white tea destroys cavity-causing bacteria while deactivating the viruses (10).
6. Reduces the Risk of Cancer:
White tea might have an anti-cancer effect. Compared to green tea, they found white tea to be more effective in destroying cancer cells in our body, as per the study published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research. In addition, white tea also has an excellent antiproliferative and antioxidant effect against cancer cells while protecting healthy cells from DNA damage (11).
White tea has cancer-fighting compounds that come from antioxidants and polyphenols, which also positively affect the metabolism (12).In addition, because it has the most catechins, white tea is considered the best food for preventing or treating cancer.
7. Lowers Blood Pressure:
White tea can help you lower your blood pressure, which is one of the best advantages of white tea. According to some studies, white tea can help improve artery function and thin the blood. In turn, this process promotes healthy blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Therefore, regular consumption of white tea might protect your body against the risk of stroke in the long run.
8. Reduces Cholesterol:
The health benefits of drinking white tea include reducing cholesterol with the help of a kind of antioxidant called catechins. You will be able to increase good cholesterol and decrease bad cholesterol since white tea is chock-a-block with catechins. In addition, regularly drinking white tea can keep blood from getting stuck and arteries from getting hard.
Read: Impressive Benefits of Cinnamon Tea
9. May Help Reduce the Risk of Heart Disease:
White tea is shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure. This further improves the blood vessels’ functioning because it is filled with catechins (13).In addition, consumption of the highest dose of white tea is known to reverse the oxidative damage done to the heart cells. However, these results were promising only when the white tea was taken at the highest dose (14). Compared to many other teas, white tea shows antioxidant effects on the heart.
10. Strengthens Bones:
According to studies, compared to non-drinkers, people who drink white tea regularly have greater bone density. You can find the highest number of polyphenols in white tea. The potent anti-inflammatory effects of white tea are attributed to these plant compounds, which efficiently preserve bones and cartilage. You can get relief from the symptoms of osteoporosis and improve bone density and strength with a regular intake of white tea (15).
11. Recovers Quickly from Common Cold and Flu:
White tea has high amounts of antioxidants and is the most delicate tea since they harvest it at an early stage. The nutritional value of the tea remains intact because the processing is minimal. White tea can lower the replication speed of viruses or bacteria since it contains catechins and amino acids. Therefore, you can fight and relieve the symptoms of a cold and cough and prevent the multiplication of germs by drinking white tea. Furthermore, drinking white tea relieves pain, irritation, and a sore throat. Make sure to follow the brewing instructions and use hot water.
12. Effective in Reducing Stress:
One of the main benefits of drinking white tea is that it effectively reduces stress, according to ancient Asian culture. White tea helps you relax and has become essential because of the stress caused by jobs, whether professional or individual. Yet another reason the white tea variant is more effective in improving mental health and reducing stress is its low caffeine level.
13. Skin Looks Younger:
As we grow older, our skin becomes saggy and loose. This is because the free radicals in our body accelerate the skin’s ageing process. White tea can strengthen collagen and elastin, giving your skin a more youthful and smoother appearance since it contains high amounts of polyphenols (16). It also helps stop premature ageing by revitalising your skin because of its antioxidant properties. This is the reason why white tea in skincare is quickly gaining popularity.
14. White Tea for Skin Whitening:
Blemishes, discolouration, and acne are typical irregularities many people struggle with. Though these conditions aren’t life-threatening, they sure can dent self-confidence. However, you can efficiently achieve an even complexion thanks to white tea’s antiseptic and antioxidant properties(17).
15. Good for Hair Growth:
All the benefits of white tea for hair are attributed to an antioxidant called epigallocatechin. This antioxidant in white tea not only prevents premature hair loss but is also shown to enhance hair growth. You might also be able to treat scalp skin diseases resistant to standard treatments when drinking white tea, which is filled with EGCG (18). In addition, white tea can help keep your hair from drying out in the summer months by naturally protecting it from sun damage. Suppose you are looking to capitalise on the shine. In that case, you can use white tea topically as a shampoo because it is known to restore hair’s natural shine. White tea can help keep your hair from drying out in the summer by naturally protecting it from sun damage. Suppose you are looking to capitalise on the shine. In that case, you can use white tea topically as a shampoo because it is known to restore hair’s natural shine.
White Tea Side Effects:
White tea has many health benefits because of its high nutrient content and low caffeine content. However, taking anything in too much quantity can cause more negative effects than positive ones. Here is a list of some side effects of drinking too much white tea:
- Although the amount of caffeine in white tea is meagre, it is still present and can sometimes exceed the amount in green tea. This is because white tea prepared with older leaves has less caffeine than tea derived from younger leaves.
- Too much caffeine consumption can cause several health and lifestyle defects. It is also advised to mind the dosage of white tea because, when taken in large quantities, it can cause gastrointestinal troubles.
- The flavonoids in white tea can inhibit your body’s absorption by 70 per cent by binding non-heme iron.
How To Make White Tea At Home?
We all know the satisfaction of brewing fresh homemade tea in the comfort of one’s home. Here are some simple steps to prepare a perfect cup of white tea.
Ingredients:
- White tea leaves – two teaspoons.
- Water – one cup.
- Sweetener as per your choice.
Preparation:
- Take a cup of water and boil them thoroughly.
- Now, wait a minute and add the tea leaves to the water.
- Let the leaves step in the water for about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Transfer the tea into a cup by straining the leaves.
- Finally, add the sweetener as per your preference and drink fresh tea.
- Slowly add white tea to your diet and improve your life significantly. You can drink white tea once or twice a day.
Read: Different Types of Chai
White tea is an incredibly healthy beverage since it is packed with antioxidants. As a result, white tea has impressive health benefits, whether it is to lose weight or lower the risk of heart disease. However, white tea has not been studied as much as green tea or many other teas; hence, it is not as popular. Since it is easy to prepare and add to your diet, reap all the benefits by adding white tea. Don’t forget to let us know if you found this article helpful!
FAQ:
1. What are the different types of White Tea?
Ans: Suppose you want help finding the perfect tea for you. In that case, it’s a good idea to learn about the various varieties and types of white tea on the market. Here are some of the most popular white tea varieties available worldwide.
- Bai Mu Dan (White Peony)
- Bai Hao Yinzhen (Silver Needle)
- Gong Mei (Tribute Eyebrow)
- Shou Mei (Long Life Eyebrow)
- White PuerhTea.
2. Is white tea safe during pregnancy?
Ans: When taken in moderation, white tea is considered safe during pregnancy. However, because it contains caffeine, ensure you stay within the recommended pregnancy limit. Additionally, consult a doctor to be sure before consuming white tea.
3. What is the difference between white Tea vs Black Tea vs Green Tea?
- White tea: White tea has the lowest amount of caffeine, 15 to 20 milligrams. It offers a delicate aroma and flavour because it is the most diminutive processed version.
- Green tea: Green tea contains 20 to 25 milligrams of caffeine and promotes healthy cell growth because it is high in antioxidants.
- Black Tea: Black tea contains 35 to 70 milligrams of caffeine per serving. As a result, black tea has a more robust flavour and is more oxidised than other teas.
4. Which is the best white tea brand for weight loss?
Ans: Some of the famous white tea brands you can use for relaxing nights, in addition to weight loss, are:
- Imozai Organic White Tea.
- Twinings Of London Fujian Chinese Pure White Tea.
- Taylors of Harrogate White Tea.
- Vahdam Imperial White Tea Leaf.
- Prince Of Peace Organic White Tea.