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White tea derives it's name from the first leaves and the new bud of the tea tree which are plucked before they are fully grown and open when they are still covered with a layer of fine white hairs. All teas, whether white, green or black are a product of the Camellia Sinensis plant but get their unique flavours and aromas from different methods of processing. However, of the three teas white tea is the least processed and as a result retains more of the plants natural antioxidants.

This is thought to be one reason why studies have linked white tea with many health benefits. For example, it may help reduce the risk of heart disease, combat skin aging and even help with weight loss.

10 Researched Health Benefits of White Tea

1. Loaded with Antioxidants

The antioxidant benefits of green tea are well known and white tea is known to contain more antioxidants than any other types of tea. Antioxidants protect cells in the body from the damage caused by free radicals and an excess number of free-radicals can have a harmful effect on the body and over time cause lasting damage including a weakened immune system, premature aging, chronic inflammation and a variety of harmful diseases including several forms of cancer.

2. Cancer Fighting

White tea contains flavonoids, a class of antioxidants, that inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent the development of new ones. According to the Oregon State University, white tea is a great source of cancer-fighting compounds.

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States.

Several test-tube studies have found that white tea may have anticancer effects.

In one test-tube study, white tea extract triggered cell death in several types of lung cancers.

Two more test-tube studies looked at the effects of white tea on colon cancer cells.

The studies discovered that white tea extract suppressed the growth of colon cancer cells and stopped them from spreading. The antioxidants in white tea extract also protected normal cells from damage by harmful molecules.

However, it’s worth noting that these test-tube studies used large amounts of white tea. More studies in humans are needed to understand the effects of drinking white tea on cancer.

3. Weight Loss

White tea directly helps weight loss by burning existing fat cells up to 5% faster than other types of tea and preventing the formation of new fat cells. White tea contains higher levels of epigallocatechin gallate, a catechin compound as well as containing caffeine which in combination have been directly linked to burning fat at an accelerated rate.

4. Oral Bacteria

White tea is an excellent source of tannins, fluoride and catechins. In combination these molecules can work together to help strengthen teeth by fighting plaque-causing mouth bacteria and dietary sugars.

5. Lower Risk of Insulin Resistance

As a result of multiple factors primarily high sugar consumption, some people stop responding to insulin this is called insulin resistance. Insulin is an very important hormone in the human body, it helps move nutrients in the bloodstream into cells to either be used as energy now or stored for when they are needed later. Insulin resistance is a linked to many common chronic health conditions including heart disease and type two diabetes. The polyphenols found in white tea may act to lower the risk of insulin resistance, prevent high blood sugar levels and generally enhance the effects of insulin.

6. Reduced Risk of Heart Disease

Heart disease remains the most common cause of premature death in Australia according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Polyphenols found in white tea have demonstrated the ability to reduce the long term risks of heart disease by as much as 21%. Polyphenals achieve this impressive feat in a number of ways including boosting general immunity, relaxing blood vessels and improving the flow of blood through the body and preventing bad cholesterol from oxidizing.

7. Osteoporosis

It is estimated that more than 2 million Australians are afflicted by osteoporosis with as many as 27% of women aged over 60 suffering from the condition. Osteoporosis is a health condition in which the bones become hollow and pervious this leads to a higher risk of bone fractures and breaks and a general reduction in the quality of life in older people. Inflammation and the presence of high levels of free radicals can further accelerate the effects of osteoporosis by limiting the development of cells designed to improve bone density. The catechins found in tea leaves are in a higher abundance in white tea leaves and can directly fight the cells that damage bones.

8. Visible Signs of Aging

The polyphenol compounds in white tea can fight several bad compounds that damage the internal network of your skin helping it to stay firm and tight. This damage can be caused by external factors including damage caused by the sun's rays as well as the body's own natural aging caused by ongoing damage from enzymes and free radicals found in the body. Additionally it has been found that EGCG found in white tea can have benefits for some skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis as well as cuts and abrasions.

9. Prevent Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Disease

The polyphenol compound EGCG found in abundance in white tea may be a contributing factor in lowering the risks surrounding developing both Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. It has been shown that EGCG can suppress the formation of free radicals as well as reduce risk factors of both diseases. A contributing risk factor in both Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s is inappropriately clumped proteins being folded together as this can damage nerves in the brain and EGCG has been found to prevent this from occurring. Drinking white tea daily has been shown to reduce the ongoing risks of Parkinson’s disease forming and in the case of brain disorders like Alzheimer’s reduce the risks by as much as 35%.

For example, several test-tube studies have shown that EGCG can prevent proteins from inappropriately folding and clumping together.

10. Immune System Boost

Studies have shown that white tea has a greater effect than green tea at deactivating bacterial viruses. Laboratory tests have also demonstrated that white tea extract can have an anti-viral effect on HPV

In Summary

White tea is a very healthy choice, packed with antioxidants and backed by a number of scientific studies which have linked it to a number of health benefits including reduced risk of heart disease, various forms of cancer and diabetes as well as being a preventative treatment for osteoporosis and premature signs of aging.

Finally, and perhaps most important of all, white tea is a subtle, refreshing and enjoyable drink. Why not try a cup today?