10 Excellent Benefits of Chinese White Tea
There is nothing that calms your mind and body after an exhausting day of work like a steaming cup of tea. Flavored, green or any other type – the mere thought of this beverage gives your mood a lift! However, not many know there is a different kind of tea, which apart from being a refreshing beverage, has additional health aspects of its own. We are talking about Chinese white tea, whose existence and popularity was accredited to Asia, until the recent global hype. Today, the benefits of white tea are hugely accepted and acknowledged by people in the West. Speaking of the scientific aspect of this tea, white tea is obtained from dried leaves and buds of Camellia Sinensis. The least processed tea among all its variants, white tea is rich in all necessary nutrients, thereby considered superior of its kind. The tea derives its name of the silvery-white strings present in the buds of the plant. Wondering about the caffeine content in the tea. Well, it is far less than that of the other variants of tea. The consumption of white tea bestows the human body with several health benefits. Some of the most vital ones are:
- Antiaging Properties
The loss of free radicals from our body over time evidently makes it lose its glamour and appear saggy. This results in faster aging of the skin. Regular consumption of white tea prevents the formation of loose skin and prevents wrinkles. It is rich in polyphenols which are effective neutralize all free radicals in the skin, thus providing you with a clear complexion. In fact, the antioxidant properties of this tea revitalize your skin and shield it from premature aging.
- Improvement in Oral Health
Another important health benefit of white tea is the improvement of oral health. Tannins, flavonoids and polyphenols in white tea inhibit the development of several bacteria within the mouth that results in plaque formation. Additionally, the presence of a substantial amount of fluoride in white tea is highly effective in the elimination or reduction of tooth decay and dental caries.
- Improves Skin Health
The struggle with skin irregularities like blemishes, acne and discoloration is a day to day affair for several people. Though not life-threatening, these factors can highly contribute to the low self-esteem of an individual. However, the best part is the antioxidant and antiseptic properties in white tea can successfully help you achieve an even blemish-free skin complexion. White tea protects your skin cells from damage caused by hydrogen peroxide and other additional factors. The antioxidants in white tea help remove free radicals that result in signs of untimely aging like wrinkles and pigmentation. Moreover, inflammatory properties reduce inflammation and redness caused by dandruff or eczema. Additionally, it can be used directly as a cleansing wash for the skin.
- Helps Prevent Cancer
According to studies, there might be a viable connection between white tea and the prevention of cancer. The major health benefits of white tea have mostly been credited to the polyphenols and antioxidants present in it. These antioxidants accelerate the RNA build-up, thereby preventing the mutation of cancer forming genetic cells. In fact, certain researches discovered the antioxidants present in white tea to be more effective than that of green tea.
- Helps in Treating Diabetes
As per research, regular intake of white tea might provide relief to diabetic patients displaying symptoms like an increase in insulin secretion, excessive thirst or polydipsia and decreased levels of plasma glucose. Human trials conducted in several parts of the globe show that the consumption of white tea can be an economical and a natural way of battling the harmful effects of prediabetes on the reproductive health in males.
- Aids Weight Loss
The first name that comes to our mind when we think of weight loss is green tea. Nevertheless, consuming white tea might prove to be as effective as this when it comes to burning the excess fat. White tea contains epigallocatechin gallate, catechin that aids the burning of fat. It also boosts metabolism by an additional 5%, which is equivalent to burning out 70-100 calories each day.
- An Antibacterial Agent
White tea has excellent antibacterial properties that protect our skin from bacterial growth. This property has led to white tea being used as a key ingredient in several personal care products like face wash and soap. Regular consumption prevents the growth of infection-causing microorganisms and bacteria.
- Enhances Energy and Improves Alertness
White tea is subjected to minimum processing, which results in it having high levels of L-Theanine, an amino acid responsible for boosting alertness. Lower levels of caffeine in white tea increases its hydrating factor, thus helping it retain energy. This amino acid eliminates physical and mental stress, helping you remain energetic through the day. It increases the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin that gives your mood a lift and helps you stay alert and happy.
- Beneficial for the Heart
As per research, regular consumption of tea for over 12 months can alter the oxidative damage caused to the cells in the human heart. In fact, the heart has shown surprising improvements in its antioxidant activity at the highest dosage of white tea. The levels of antioxidants are at its highest in this variant of tea, along with beneficial catechins that decrease cholesterol levels, blood pressure and eliminating risks of cardiovascular disease.
- Helps in Cardiovascular Disorder
Flavonoids, an element found in certain food products including white tea aids the risk of cardiovascular disorders and contribute to the lowering levels of blood pressure. Apart from this, white tea is known to treat endothelial function, dyslipidaemia and encourages lower density of lipoprotein oxidation.
The consumption of white tea is highly beneficial for human health. Rich in anti-aging substances and organic compounds, it effectively aids the reduction of oxidative stress, thereby preventing harmful chronic diseases. Moreover, it gifts the human body with a strong immune system and a refreshed mood.