Think about this. It’s your regular-looking cup of tea, but you become healthier with every sip. Great idea, right? A tea like that would be the white tea. Today, our topic of discussion will be the health benefits of white tea.
White Tea has been known for its delicate & subtle yet aromatic flavor. It consists of young, dried, withered tea leaves & buds (as they are plucked before the leaves fully open) harvested during the springtime. They get their distinctive name from the fine, white, fuzzy hair that covers the young leaves. Now let’s dive into its story.
Origin Of White Tea & What It Is
White tea has a rich history resembling its equally rich taste. It was first commercially cultivated & marketed in China’s Fujian province. When brewed in water, it usually turns into a gold-like color with a sweet scent. However, the taste & fragrance can differ based on the type of white tea, and it must be brewed for the right amount of time, and at the right temperature for it to taste good.
The complicated process of brewing white tea might have put you off. But good things come to those who wait. So, let us delve into some more of its facts.
How do we prepare the raw white tea?
These tea leaves are handpicked when they are new, & have a refreshing green color. Then they are simultaneously dried quickly before they oxidize and that’s about it. They are widely known for their minimal processing and low oxidation, which leads to their delicate tea leaves.
Health Benefits of White Tea
White tea isn’t just a treat for your soul & mind but is also packed with numerous health benefits. Changing your regular milk tea with this can significantly improve your life. Here are a few of the health benefits of white tea that make it the royal tea.
1. High Antioxidant content
White tea is full of polyphenols called catechins. Polyphenols (source) are plant-based, antioxidant-rich molecules that help repair cells, defend against ultraviolet radiation, and protect from cell damage. Studies have shown that prolonged consumption of these catechins may even protect from cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, and osteoporosis.
2. Helps in Weight Loss
You may have heard of the benefits of green tea and how it helps in weight loss. Well, the good news is that white tea is similarly beneficial (source). It boosts your metabolism drastically which helps burn fats with ease. And it also keeps you feeling energized & fresh, which promotes healthy calorie burning. In fact, it burns 70-100 calories more in one day.
3. Reduces Heart Diseases
The polyphenols in white tea help maintain a healthy blood pressure level and control the level of bad cholesterol (source) in the body. It improves the metabolic status, enhancing glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. It increases cardiac acetate and alanine levels, improving heart health & preventing cardiovascular illnesses. And since it controls the cholesterol levels in the body, it averts the fat build-up in the blood vessels, preventing blockages.
4. Oral Health Maintenance
White tea is a huge source of fluoride, flavonoids, and tannins (source), which inhibit bacteria growth and increase enamel acid resistance capacity. Studies show that it prevents plaque buildup, bacteria growth, and dental cavities. Moreover, its antioxidant properties, have been found to support gum health and reduce inflammation in oral tissues.
5. Anti-aging Properties
While aging is one of the most beautiful processes of the body, we all crave youthful looks anyway. White tea is well known for its anti-aging properties. As mentioned earlier, polyphenols protect the cells from ultraviolet rays, one of the leading causes of early aging. It boosts our immune system, which further prevents chronic illnesses & slows down the aging process.
Types of White Tea
Now that we have learned the benefits of white tea, let’s discuss what its types are. It comes in several distinct types, each with its unique flavor profile and characteristics. Here are some popular types of it:
- Silver Needle (Bai Hao Yinzhen): Silver Needle is one of the most prized and premium types of this tea. It is made from only the young buds of the tea plant and has a delicate, sweet, and floral flavor.
- White Peony (Bai Mu Dan): White Peony includes both young leaves and buds, offering a fuller flavor compared to Silver Needle. It has a slightly stronger taste with floral and fruity notes.
- Long-Life Eyebrow (Shou Mei): Long-Life Eyebrow is made from older leaves and buds, giving it a stronger flavor and a darker color. It has a more robust and earthy taste compared to others.
How to Brew It Perfectly
To enjoy white tea’s full flavor and benefits, it’s important to brew it correctly. Here are some tips for brewing the perfect cup of white tea:
- Use fresh, filtered water to brew the tea leaves. Avoid using distilled or mineral water, as they can affect the taste of the tea.
- It should be brewed at a lower temperature than black or green tea. Heat the water to around 70-80°C (158-176°F). Boiling water can scorch the delicate leaves and result in a bitter taste.
- Steep the white tea leaves for 2-3 minutes. Not doing so may end up making the tea taste bitter and it may lose its nutritional value.
Note: Use about 2 grams of white tea leaves for every 240 ml of water. Adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
What do we get from this?
Incorporating white tea into your daily routine can offer numerous health benefits while providing a delightful and refreshing beverage. It is a fantastic choice whether you’re looking to improve your skin, support weight loss, or simply enjoy a cup of tea with a delicate and subtle flavor. So why not give it a try and experience the many advantages of this wonderful tea?
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