Health Benefits of White Tea

White tea is the least processed tea and has the highest levels of anti-oxidants of all types of tea. It also has the highest concentration of theanine, an amino acid that has relaxing and mood enhancing properties, due to being made form younger leaves.

White tea protects against cancer, heart disease, and stroke, the leading causes of death in the industrial world, as well as numerous other conditions. It eases the symptoms of illness and promotes recovery. White tea strengthens the circulatory and immune systems as well as bones and teeth, and builds healthy skin.

In 2009 a study by Kingston university found it had high anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-collagenase and anti-elastase properties which could potentially reduce the risks of developing rheumatoid arthritis, some cancers, heart disease and slow the development of wrinkles or sagging associated with the aging process. This is true despite white tea having similar levels of catechins, thought responsible for these properties, as other teas but may be due to the lack of processing involved in white tea.

In 2004 Pace university found it had more anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties than green tea.

The basic health benefits of white tea are as follow:

White Tea Antioxidants

Antioxidants are nutrients that protect the body from damage by free radicals. Free radicals are nasty things that go around wreaking havoc on your body, damaging DNA and accelerating aging. Antioxidants scoop them up and neutralize them. White tea is loaded with these protective nutrients.

Cancer Prevention

White tea contains the same types of polyphenols as green tea, but in different proportions.
Research was conducted at Oregon State University to test white tea to determine whether it has similar cancer-fighting qualities as reported in green tea. Researchers brewed four varieties of white tea and subjected each to a laboratory test using bacteria. The test, called the Salmonella assay, determines whether a chemical can cause or prevent DNA mutations, the earliest steps leading to cancer. The result concluded that white tea inhibited mutations more efficiently than green tea, meaning it may have more potential to prevent cancer than green tea. However, the researchers responsible for the study say more studies are needed to determine whether white tea actually has the potential to protect people against cancer.
In some cases, white tea has been found to work as well as prescription drugs, but without the side effects.

Lower blood pressure

Studies show that white tea can thin the blood and improve artery function. It helps lower high blood pressure and maintain a healthy one. By promoting strong and healthy blood vessels, white tea guards against the ravages of stroke.

Lower Cholesterol

Catechins, another group of antioxidants, have been found to reduce cholesterol, and white tea is teeming with them. Cholesterol is a special type of fat and is necessary for health. There is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol, and white tea increases the good while decreasing the bad. This helps prevent hardening of the arteries and blockage of blood flow

Heart Protection

By thinning the blood, lowering blood pressure, and reducing cholesterol, white tea protects the heart and the entire circulatory system. Researchers have also discovered that people who drink 2 or more cups of tea a day are almost 50% less likely to die after suffering a heart attack. White tea is truly a remarkable heart tonic.

Antibacterial & Antiviral

White tea is a natural killer of bacteria and viruses. The antioxidants so abundant in white tea tone the entire immune system, providing protection against a variety of invaders and a wide range of diseases. Its helps guard against the common cold and flu, and can ease the symptoms of HIV.

Healthy Teeth and Gums

White tea contains small amounts of fluoride and other nutrients which keeps the teeth strong and healthy. It also kills the bacteria which causes plaque, tooth decay, and bad breath.

Healthy Skin

Free radicals from staying out in the sun too long, stress, and a poor diet can damage the skin and cause it to prematurely age. By scavenging these free radicals, white tea protects the skin and helps to reverse some of the damage. Drinking white tea promotes healthy and radiant skin.

Stronger Bones

Studies have found that people who drank tea regularly had greater bone density and strength than non-drinkers. White tea may also have beneficial effects for sufferers of arthritis and osteoporosis.