The health-boosting qualities of white tea may not be as famous yet as those of green tea, but this might just be a question of time. According to a Chinese legend, five thousand years ago an emperor accidentally discovered white tea when tea leaves blew into his cup of hot water. The name for this drink derives from the whitish color of the buds of the tea plant that it comes from. The fact that it requires much less processing than other types of tea makes it more vibrant in nutrients. Its low caffeine content is another reason behind white tea’s rising popularity.
Enhances immunity from infection
Every human body contains a certain amount of free radical compounds. If a person eats healthily, gets sufficient exercise and lives in a clean environment, their body tends to maintain a good balance between the free radicals and antioxidant compounds that restrain the free radical activities. However, in less than ideal situations, the free radicals start to damage tissue and open the way to infection. The antioxidant properties of white tea reinforce the antioxidant “defender” forces that protect the body from such damage. Several research studies confirm that the tea helps protect body tissue.
Less reason to go to the dentist
Few people, if any, look forward to visiting the dentist. Even though these visits are essential to our health treatments are sometimes painful, often stressful and invariably on the costly side. Therefore many will welcome news of a dietary change that could reduce the need for these visits. Apparently, polyphenols and other substances present in white tea help to fight off the bacteria responsible for dental damage. The tea also contains fluoride that many dentists recommend as part of an oral health preservation program.
A sensible tea choice for diabetics
The growing section of the population with diabetes, or at risk of developing this disease, must take special care over what they eat or drink. If they feel like a hot and refreshing beverage, it seems that white tea is an excellent choice for them. Recent studies show that it effectively relieves the intense thirst that diabetes generates. It also seems to help reduce blood sugar levels and increase the body’s production of insulin.
May lower risks of developing heart problems
A look at the rise in the incidences of heart disease in developed countries is sufficient to convince anyone of the importance of taking precautionary measures. In combination with a sound exercise regime, changes in diet are one of the best ways to lower heart problem risks. It makes sound sense to add white tea to your diet from this perspective. This tea contains flavonoid substances that assist keeping blood pressure at a safe level. Therefore, it is reasonable to postulate that regular drinking of white tea could reduce the chances of cardiovascular problems developing.
Hopes that white tea could slow down aging
Skeptics might think that the idea of any substance being able to hold back the aging process makes as much sense as legendary English King Canute’s attempt to order the tide to stop coming in. Yet the same white tea antioxidant properties that protect against infection could also be effective against the damage to body tissue that comes with the aging process. In particular, by combating the activities of the free radical compounds, the forces of aging lose some of their momenta.
Helps to preserve skin in excellent condition
The benefits of white tea to skin care are part of its anti-aging properties, but they deserve a separate mention due to their relevance even to teenagers. Once again, this attribute connects with this tea’s strong antioxidant properties. This enables the body to replace damaged skin that much faster. Another advantage is the enhanced protection it provides against skin damage from long exposure to the sun’s rays. So do not forget to drink your white tea before going to the beach as well in addition to putting on that protective skin cream.
Advantages to those who need to lose weight
The large numbers of people who need to shed weight also stand to gain from including white tea in their meal plans. Natural food advocates claim that substances in this tea work to prevent the accumulation of fat cells. For maximum benefit, incorporate white tea drinking into a comprehensive meal plan schedule that includes cutting down on high-carb foods. In addition, make sure to take part in regular exercise sessions.
A tea distinguished by low caffeine levels
Given all the concerns about the addictive nature of high caffeine content teas and coffees, it comes as a relief to discover that white tea contains significantly less caffeine than other teas. Studies reveal that an eight-ounce cup of white tea contains just 28 milligrams of caffeine and this is just a third of the amount of caffeine found in an average cup of coffee. White tea allows you to enjoy a refreshing hot drink without the need to worry about becoming caffeine dependent.
Good for both emotional and physical health
Some research findings provide support the claims that white tea helps to boost energy levels while at the same time reducing anxiety problems. The presence of an acid called L-theanine is crucial for both of these benefits. There is evidence of how this acid contributes to increases in alertness, and how it enhances memory functions and prompts the brain to produce positive signals that improve mood set. The tea’s low caffeine content also assists in maintaining energy levels.
Relief from digestion problems
People with digestive issues find that regular drinks of white tea relieve their sufferings from indigestion, heartburn, and painful stomach cramps. One expert recommends drinking a couple of cups of white tea per day as an antidote to stomach acidity. You can make this experiment without any concerns about unwanted side effects. Given all the other benefits white tea brings it is worthwhile trying it out to see how it improves digestive processes.