Most people are familiar with the classic true teas such as green, black and oolong, but there is actually a fourth true tea that recently gained popularity and scientific acclaim. White tea first emerged in Asia and achieved popularity in the West only in the last 200 years or so.
White tea is a true tea and the least processed, making it a delicate tea that packs a punch when it comes to health benefits. White tea benefits include preventing tooth decay, promoting healthy skin and hair and increased energy and alertness. Drinking a cup a day can help prevent things like the common cold and eliminate free radicals that can cause an array of ailments from acne to cancer.
What Is White Tea? True teas all come from the leaves of the same plant, so the difference between teas is based on two things: the terroir (the region in which the plant is grown) and the production process.
One of the differences in the production process of each true tea is the amount of time the leaves are allowed to oxidize. Tea masters can roll, crush, roast , fire and steam leaves to aid in the oxidation process.
Types of White Tea: There are two main types of white tea: Silver Needle and White Peony. However, there are several other white teas including Long Life Eyebrow and Tribute Eyebrow along with artisanal white teas such as Ceylon White, African White and Darjeeling White. Silver Needle and White Peony are considered to be the most superior when it comes to quality.
Health Benefits of White Tea
Skin Health: Many people struggle with skin irregularities such as acne, blemishes and discoloration. While most of these skin conditions are not dangerous or life threatening, they are still annoying and can lower confidence. White tea can help you achieve an even complexion thanks to antiseptic and antioxidant properties.
White tea contains high amounts of phenols, which can strengthen both collagen and elastin lending a smoother, more youthful appearance to skin. These two proteins are vital in creating strong skin and preventing wrinkles and can be found in a variety skincare products.
Cancer Prevention: Studies have shown the strong connection between true teas and the preventing or treating cancer. While studies are not conclusive, the health benefits of drinking white tea are largely attributed to the antioxidants and polyphenols on tea. Antioxidants in white tea can help build RNA and prevent the mutation of genetic cells that lead to cancer.
Weight Loss: Drinking white tea can help you achieve your weight loss goals by helping your body absorb nutrients more efficiently and shed pounds more easily by speeding up metabolism.
Hair Health: Not only is white tea good for skin, it can also help establish healthy hair.The antioxidant called epigallocatechin gallate has been shown to enhance hair growth and prevent premature hair loss.
Improves Calmness, Focus and Alertness: White tea has the highest concentration of L-theanine amongst the true teas. L-theanine is known for improving alertness and focus in the brain by inhibiting exciting stimuli that can lead to overactivity. By calming the stimuli in the brain, white tea can help you relax while also increasing focus.
Oral Health: White tea has high levels of flavonoids, tannins and fluorides that help teeth stay healthy and strong. Fluoride is popularly known as a tool in preventing tooth decay and is often found in toothpastes.
Help Treat Diabetes: Catechin in white tea along with other antioxidants have been shown to help prevent or regulate Type 2 diabetes. White tea effectively acts to inhibit the activity of the enzyme amylase that signals glucose absorption in the small intense.
Reduces Inflammation: The catechin and polyphenols in white tea boost anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve minor aches and pains. It also improves circulation and delivers oxygen to the brain and organs. Because of this, white tea is effective in treating minor headaches and aches and pain from working out.
Heart Health: Having a healthy heart means living longer and fuller life. White tea helps protect healthy heart function and prevent illnesses including blood clots, stroke and heart attacks.
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