There are lots of different teas such as green tea, black tea, oolong tea, rooibos tea etc. However, white tea is one of the most delicate tea varieties. It contains a supreme power and provides a tremendous number of benefits that makes it ideal for our health. More than 3000 years ago, people in China initially used tea as a chewable medicinal plant. Tea commercialization started in China and then spread throughout the world. Taiwan, Northern Thailand, and Eastern Nepal have tended to cultivate this plant. White tea comes after infusing the buds and leaves of the Chinese Camellia sinensis plant. The word white tea has come because of the fine silvery-white hairs on the unopened buds that give a whitish appearance to the tea plant. This tea is subtly sweet with pale yellow or straw colour and it contains subtle aromas and flavours that reminiscence flowers, fruits, and herbs.
Early spring provides the best white tea. Special varieties of tea bushes are selected and tended for several years before yielding their first harvest. Then, hand-picked leaves are steam-dried and exposed to sunlight to wither. This tea is rare and precious because this process is time-consuming and white tea requires great care and effort to produce. However, this tea has been very popular for centuries due to its sensory characteristics and extensive health benefits.
Benefits of White Tea
Modern science has proven ancient medical beliefs are true by discovering a massive number of medical uses of tea. So, scientists have recommended tea as a supreme beverage of health. White tea has a wide spectrum of effects on our bodies such as precluding heart disease, cancer, stroke, and other numerous disorders. Moreover, it can alleviate symptoms of diabetes and reduce stress by increasing energy and strengthening the circulatory and immune systems. So, this tea is a splendid endowment of nature.
Here are the most captivating reasons why you should add a cup of this tea to your daily meals.
- Improves cardiovascular functions
- Antioxidant properties
- Antimicrobial and antibacterial properties
- Strengthens bones and protects teeth
- Alleviate diabetes symptoms
- Anti-obesity properties
Persist in reading to know more about the above-mentioned benefits.
1. Improves Cardiovascular Functions
According to medical science Cardiovascular diseases are a heterogeneous group of pathologies affecting the circulatory system. The particular amount and the ratio of the polyphenol compounds found in different white tea varieties such as Silver Needle, White peony, Long Life eyebrow, and Tribute eyebrow. This tea comprises polyphenol antioxidants that can decrease systolic and diastolic blood pressure, reduce antihypertensive activity, and improve cardiovascular functions.
Also, observational studies have demonstrated that polyphenols can reduce the risk of heart disease in several ways. On one hand, polyphenols can boost immunity and on the other hand, polyphenols may prevent LDL cholesterol from becoming oxidized. Moreover, white tea can thin the blood and improve artery function. Scientists have discovered that people who have three cups of this tea per day have a 21% lower risk of heart disease. So, it will be worth it to consume white tea on a daily basis because it enhances your heart health.
2. Antioxidant Properties
White tea is a type of tea that has a high concentration of antioxidants and may have strong potential for fighting against diseases.
Minimal processing and a low level of oxidation allow white tea, made from young tea leaves, to retain high levels of antioxidant compounds. Studies have shown that infusing the leaves for a longer period of time increases white tea’s antioxidant capacity.
Antioxidants protect the body from free radicals, which can damage proteins, DNA, and lipids and lead to chronic inflammation, weakened immune system, and the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disorders.
White tea also contains polyphenols and catechins, which links to cancer prevention and reduced inflammation and immune tolerance.
In addition, white tea has protective effects against skin damage, such as wrinkles and sunburn, and may improve wound healing. Regular consumption of this tea may help to improve the appearance of the skin.
3. Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Properties
A study at pace university in 2004 showed white tea had more anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties than green tea. According to the results of that research white tea have applications in retarding viruses and bacterial and fungal growth, reducing the incidence of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus infections, and pneumonia. Moreover, the polyphenol composition of this tea is responsible for the prevention of adherence, spread, and replication of viruses while Catechins play their role in the inhibition of transcriptase.
White tea has exhibited anti-bacterial properties by protecting animals from certain pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella tryphimurium. Research has proven that this tea extract can destroy in-vitro organisms that cause diseases. Antioxidants that are abundant in white tea, tone the entire immune system. Therefore it provides a guard against the common cold, flu, and a wide range of diseases. Also, studies have indicated that this tea extract has an antifungal effect on Penicillium chrysogenum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
4. Strengthens Bones and Protects Teeth
A vast spectrum of tea variations has been manufactured and each has a favourable effect on teeth and bones. White tea is a natural alternative that keeps your teeth and gums healthy as it consists of fluoride, tannins, and flavonoids. Fluorides are more effective in reducing caries. Tannins play a role in reducing the carcinogenic potential of starch-containing food as they can inhibit salivary amylase. Consequently, it inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans which is the major factor in the formation of plaque. Catechins that are abundant in white tea also can inhibit the growth of plaque bacteria.
Scientific research depicts that better bone mineral density was achieved by post-menopausal women who consumed tea. White tea has a great protective effect on bone tissue and cartilage. Moreover, a study at Kingston university in 2009 has proven that this tea has high anti-collagenase, and anti-elastase properties which could potentially reduce the risks of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Thus this tea enhances the density of bones and prevents joint pain, softening of bones, and arthritis.
5. Alleviate Diabetes Symptoms
Studies have highlighted that white tea can reduce the risk of insulin resistance and insufficient insulin secretion. Insulin is a hormone that plays a vital role in our bodies. It stimulates the absorption of nutrients to the cells from the bloodstream. However, insulin resistance occurs as a result of high sugar consumption and it links to health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Scientists have done research based on animals and found that this tea contains molecules that can significantly reduce blood glucose levels, improve glucose intolerance and increase sensitivity to insulin.
6. Anti-obesity Properties
Anti-obesogenic effects of different types of teas have been observed by scientific studies. White tea comprises caffeine and Catechins which have synergistic effects. According to the Animal based and in vitro studies white tea has several effects on obesity such as decrease lipid absorption and increase fat oxidation. Anti-obesity effects of this tea have been demonstrated in experiments on human fat cells as well. These tea extracts can improve lipid metabolism so that it may modulate the metabolic syndrome. Scientists have explained that these extracts modulate cholesterol and triglyceride levels by reducing the production of low-density lipoproteins. So, this tea can be applied as an ideal source of slimming substances.
How to Brew a Tasty Cup of White Tea?
To brew a tasty cup of white tea, follow these steps:
- Heat water: Use fresh, cold water and heat it to around 160-180°F (70-80°C). Avoid using water that is too hot, as it can scald the delicate leaves and result in a bitter-tasting tea.
- Prep the tea leaves: Use about 2 grams of white tea leaves for every 6 ounces (180 mL) of water. You can use loose leaf tea or tea bags, depending on your preference.
- Steep the tea: Place the tea leaves in a teapot or teacup and pour the hot water over them. Steep the tea for 2-3 minutes, or longer if you prefer a stronger flavor.
- Strain and serve: After the desired steeping time has passed, use a strainer or a tea infuser to remove the tea leaves from the water. Pour the brewed tea into a teacup or mug and serve it immediately.
- Enjoy: White tea is best when you try it without any added sweeteners or milk. If you prefer, you can add a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint to enhance the flavor.
Note: The steeping time and the amount of tea leaves you use will depend on your personal taste preferences. You may need to experiment to find the perfect balance for your perfect cup of white tea.
Twinings Pure White tea
In 1706, Thomas Twining began selling fine tea from an English storefront in the Strand, London. Today, Twinings still sells tea from the original store and in more than 100 countries throughout the world.
White tea is the most precious and favourite choice of the tea lovers around the world. This tea is unique from other types of tea. Pure white tea has a light refreshing aroma with a delicate, smooth velvety flavour. The Fujian province of China primarily grows tea. White tea, also known as Silvery Tip Pekoe, Fujian white, or China white, reigns as one of the world’s highest-quality teas because only the nopened buds and the youngest, most tender tips of the tea bush are chosen.
Twinings hand-picks their pure white tea in the spring to yield a delicately smooth tea with a light, natural taste. They label this product to United States standards and it may differ from similar products sold elsewhere in its ingredients, labeling, and allergen warnings. Twinings makes their products without artificial ingredients to provide a wholesome tea experience.You can simply pour freshly boiled water over the tea bag and allow it to brew for 2 to 5 minutes to a perfect cup of tea.
Side Effects related to White Tea
White tea is generally considered to be safe when consumed in moderate amounts. However, like all types of tea, it can have some side effects when consumed in excessive amounts. Some potential side effects of white tea include:
- Insomnia: This tea contains caffeine, which can stimulate the central nervous system and cause insomnia in some people.
- Stomach upset: This tea may cause stomach upset in some people, especially if consumed on an empty stomach.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to certain compounds found in this tea, which can cause allergic reactions such as hives, itching, and swelling.
- Interactions with medications: This tea can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, stimulants, and antidepressants. It is important to speak with a healthcare professional before consuming this tea if you are taking any medications.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This tea may not be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women to consume in large amounts. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional before consuming white tea if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is important to note that these side effects are rare and are usually only experienced when this tea is consumed in large amounts. In general, this tea is considered to be a safe and healthy beverage when consumed in moderation.
Conclusion
White tea is the highest quality, indeed an extraordinary type of tea among other tea variations. This tea retains its natural taste, refreshing aroma, and high levels of antioxidants due to its special processing method. Drinking this tea is an excellent way to uplift both your physical and mental health. We hope that you have gained new facts about the amazing benefits of white tea and this article may have increased your desire to enjoy a cup of this tea. So, this is your chance to enjoy this splendid beverage.
