Benefits of White Tea

Benefits of White Tea

White tea may not be as well known as some of the other teas on the market but it is still a very popular choice nonetheless.

It’s a tea that is blessed with many health benefits that make it not only a great-tasting drink but something that is also enjoyed as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Below we will discuss these benefits in detail as well as some other frequently asked questions about white tea.

What is White Tea?

White tea is made from the young leaves and buds of the Camellia sinensis plant. It’s minimally processed, which sets it apart from other tea varieties.

The leaves are typically plucked when they are still covered in fine white hairs, hence the name “white tea”.

The leaves are gently withered and dried once plucked using an air drying method or reduced exposure to sunlight.

This minimal processing allows white tea to retain more of its natural antioxidants and delicate flavour.

As a result, the tea has a subtle, sweet, and light flavour, often described as floral or grassy, and it boasts a pale, almost colourless brew.

You can find out all you need to know about white tea here.

The Benefits of White Tea

White tea offers several potential health benefits including:

High Antioxidant Content

White tea is rich in polyphenols called catechins. These act as antioxidants inside the body.

These antioxidants help protect the body against free radicals, which can cause cellular damage and contribute to ageing and various diseases.

This is excellent for maintaining a healthy body as free radicals can be harmful. Due to white tea being minimally processed, it usually contains more antioxidants than other types of teas.

Our Silver Needle tea is one of the rarest and most desired white teas in the world. It’s a tea that tastes great but is also high in antioxidants.

May Support Heart Health

With heart disease being so prevalent in today’s society, it’s good to know that white tea may support heart health.

Due to white tea being full of polyphenols, it may be linked with helping support a healthier heart.

Studies have shown the benefits polyphenols have on the cardiovascular system. They help relax blood vessels which is good for the heart as it lets blood flow more easily.

Weight Management

Tea is often celebrated for its role in facilitating weight loss, and this effect operates through two primary mechanisms.

Firstly, the catechins present in tea contribute to an increased metabolic rate, enhancing the body’s ability to break down fats efficiently.

Secondly, the caffeine content in tea raises daily energy expenditure, resulting in a greater calorie burn throughout the day.

Research indicates that white tea, in particular, can elevate metabolism by an additional 4-5%, resulting in the burning of approximately 70-100 extra calories daily.

The polyphenols found in white tea play a role in fat breakdown and the prevention of new fat cell formation.

Can Benefit Oral Health

White tea can benefit oral health due to its natural antibacterial properties. The presence of polyphenols and catechins in white tea can help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

This reduces the formation of dental plaque and the risk of tooth decay. This antibacterial action can also help alleviate bad breath.

White tea’s anti-inflammatory properties may assist in calming and soothing gum irritation and inflammation, contributing to overall oral health.

While it’s not a substitute for regular oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing, incorporating white tea into your daily routine can complement your efforts to maintain a healthy and clean mouth.

Linked to Better Skin Health

As people age their skin loosens and it starts to wrinkle. The skin ages internally and externally and there are differences between the two.

Internal ageing is when the skin gets damaged by free radicals and enzymes inside your body. Whereas external ageing is caused by external factors such as UV rays.

It is shown in some studies the positive effect tea extract has had on skin. Some of these include:

Protection against the sun – Antioxidant properties help protect against the sun’s rays. UV rays can cause damage to our skin.

Fortifies the skin’s barrier – Damaged skin barrier, also known as the lipid barrier, can allow external factors to cause more damage to the skin. Tea extract can help strengthen the lipid barrier on the skin.
Soothes and prevents inflammation – The natural soothing attributes white tea extract possesses can help skin when it is itchy, inflamed, swollen or irritated.

Helps to fight acne and bacteria – Catechins and tannins found in extracts of white tea are potent antibacterial and acne-fighting compounds. They enhance the skin’s natural resistance to bacteria and inflammation, thereby decreasing the likelihood of bacterial infections and acne development.