The Fantastic Health Benefits of White Tea

Here is a little tidbit that you should know about your tea leaves. All tea comes from the same source, that is, the Camilla Sinensis tea bush. While black tea goes through a complex fermentation process, green tea is not fermented at all. In fact, it is just simply steamed or pan-fried very lightly and then rolled gently. Oolong tea, on the other hand, is fermented, however, not as much as black tea. 

White tea is quite different from these three varieties of tea. It is made of buds and select leaves. These are steamed and dried which turns the silver fuzz on the buds to a whitish color. This is why it is called 'white tea'. Different varieties will use a different proportion of buds and leaves. 

Early spring is considered to be the best time to get white tea. The buds and leaves are hand-picked carefully. They are not picked on rainy or frosty days. These are then steamed and dried. The tea leaves and buds are only allowed to oxidize slightly. This is why it is the least processed of all tea varieties. 

The fact that it is made from leaves that are picked so early and are least processed is the reason for the many health benefits of white tea.

While it is called white tea because of the silver fuzz on the unopened buds, however, it is not that white in color on being brewed. It has a slightly pale color on being brewed. The taste itself is light and slightly sweet, and not at all too strong. Compared to green or black tea, it has a lower amount of caffeine and higher amount of polyphenols.

Let's take a look at some reasons as to why white tea is better for your health. 

Rich in antioxidants 

When compared to the other varieties, white tea is the richest source of polyphenols. These are plant compounds that work as antioxidants and protect the cells of the body from free radical damage. Since the leaves or buds are not fermented and are steamed immediately after being harvested, white tea has a higher concentration of polyphenols than the other varieties. This means that white tea will protect the cells of your body from damaging effects of free radicals which are responsible for accelerating aging as well as many chronic diseases. 

Prevents cancer 

Flavonoids are a type of polyphenol that have been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and also prevent the development of new ones. White tea is rich in flavonoids, which means that it offers protection against different types of cancers including colon and prostrate cancers. 

Promotes cardiovascular health 

White tea may reduce one's risk of getting coronary heart disease and stroke. It helps in reducing high blood pressure. Catechins found in white tea have been found to reduce 'bad' cholesterol and increase 'good' cholesterol. This means improved artery functioning and less blockage of blood flow. To summarize, 2 cups of white tea everyday will protect your heart, strengthen your circulatory system, and reduce your chances of a heart attack. 

Healthier bones, teeth and gums 

Studies have found that tea, in general, promotes high bone mineral density and we have already established that white tea is the most beneficial of all tea varieties. This basically means stronger bones and better protection against osteoporosis. It is believed that the fluoride and polyphenols present in white tea may be responsible for not only healthier bones but also for strong and healthy teeth and gums. 

Good for the skin, hair and nails 

One of the many health benefits of white tea is beautiful looking skin. By reducing the damaging effects of free radicals, white tea may help in reversing the aging process as well as in providing clear and radiant skin. It is believed that drinking white tea three to four times a day for at least three months will promote healthy skin, hair and nails. 

Other health benefits of white tea 

White tea may help in controlling blood sugar levels and thus preventing diabetes. It contains compounds that reduce stress levels and increase energy. It may also aid in weight loss since it raises the metabolic level, thus, encouraging the body to burn more fat.

So, if you want to reap the health benefits of white tea, you will need to buy a pack of this wonderful variety. However, before you actually go on to buy white tea, you should know that there are four main varieties of white tea.

This one is considered to be the best of white tea. It is made of only the silvery white buds and has a delicate, light and sweet flavor. For the best health benefits, pick this variety of white tea.

White Peony contains one bud for every two select leaves. These are both covered with silver white hair. You will find the taste to be stronger and the color to be slightly darker in this case when compared to the Silver Needle variety.

This one is of a further lower quality and is processed in a slightly different way than the other varieties.

Once the Silver Needle and White Peony are harvested, the leftover leaves are used to make this variety of white tea. Not as beneficial as the above two but if you prefer its taste there is no harm in trying this one out.

There are also Darjeeling white tea from India and Ceylon white tea from Sri Lanka that may have slightly different flavors but nevertheless are rich in nutrients. The Darjeeling variety is made using a process that is similar to the Silver Needle variety. However, since the origin is different, the taste and nutrients are different as well.

So, are you ready to try this new variety of tea? Give it a try and you may find it to be something to your liking.

Different Types of Teas and Their Health Benefits