The world is filled with a variety of delicious teas, including white tea which is often overlooked despite the numerous health benefits it offers. Compared to oolong, black, and green tea, white tea goes through the least amount of processing and is therefore the most delicate. White tea is the least processed of the three teas, retaining a significant amount of antioxidants. This soft, pale tea has a hint of sweetness and lacks the bitter undertones that can occasionally be found in other Camellia Sinensis tea varieties. So, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of white tea and learn how to prepare this amazing tea.

What is white tea?

White tea is a lightly oxidised tea made from new growth buds and young leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The young leaves and buds are allowed to wither and dry in sunlight before going through minimal processing. This preserves the delicate flavour and aroma of the tea. Unlike other teas, white tea is not rolled or oxidised, allowing it to maintain a light and delicate flavour. There are also many types of white teas such as silver needle white tea, white peony, and ceylon white tea.

5 benefits of white tea you never knew!

If you haven’t tried white tea yet, you need to for these 5 reasons:

1. Aids in weight loss

White tea can be the metabolism booster you need if you’re trying to lose some extra weight. Although this tea is gentle, it has a powerful ability to assist your body get back on track. In addition to caffeine, white tea includes Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), also known as the fat-burning ingredient. According to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity, white tea has the power to boost your metabolism by 5 percent. White tea also facilitates the body’s absorption of nutrients, allowing you to obtain all the essential elements and lead a more balanced, healthy life.

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2. Promotes better skin

If you want beautiful and glowing skin, try drinking the dreamy white tea. White tea’s potent range of antioxidants helps shield the body and skin from free radical damage. Free radicals cause wrinkles and the loss of youthful suppleness in the skin, among other physical indicators of ageing. White tea also helps reduce skin irritation, which helps keep your face smooth and free of breakouts. It also boosts immunity, which gives you beautiful skin, says nutritionist Dr Priyanka Rohtagi.

3. Improves cardiovascular health

White tea contains flavonoids, which are linked to reducing the chances of developing cardiovascular disease. These flavonoids also help manage blood pressure, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Moreover, it prevents low-density lipoprotein oxidation, enhances endothelial function, and helps to improve dyslipidemia, all of which help reduce heart disease risk. Drinking this tea will help lower triglyceride levels, decrease cholesterol, and enhance artery and blood vessel function, protecting the heart and the overall circulatory system from damage.

4. Helps to prevent diabetes

White tea contains anti-diabetic qualities that aid in preventing type 2 diabetes. Consuming white tea can help diabetics with symptoms including polydipsia or excessive thirst, by reducing plasma glucose levels, and increasing insulin secretion, says the expert.

5. Aids to fight colon cancer

White tea extract has been discovered to help prevent the growth of cancer cells in the colon, as per a study published in Nutrition and Cancer journal. White tea was discovered to have beneficial effects on both preventing the spread of cancer cells and shielding healthy cells from dangerous chemical damage.

Also Read: Drinking tea regularly can help you live longer and healthier

How to prepare white tea?

Ingredients:

• White tea: 1-2 teaspoons (tsp)
• Water: 1 cup
• Lemon: 1 tsp
• Honey: 1 tsp

Process:

1. To prepare white tea, bring filtered water to a temperature of 170–185°F. Make sure you do not boil it.
2. Add 1 or 2 teaspoons of white tea into the water.
3. Pour the hot water over the leaves and let them steep for 1-3 minutes, depending on taste preference.
4. Avoid overstepping white tea as it can become bitter.
5. Strain the tea to enjoy it.
6. You can also add a bit of lemon or honey to make it more delicious.

Are there any side effects of white tea?

White tea is generally very safe, with few side effects. However, the caffeine content may cause headaches, diarrhoea, irritability, tremors, heartburn, insomnia, and anxiety in sensitive individuals if they consume a lot. A very high intake of white tea may impact iron absorption and cause nausea or upset stomach. Moderation is key when it comes to drinking white tea.

Is it ok to drink white tea every day?

“It is generally safe and potentially beneficial to drink white tea every day. White tea contains antioxidants and nutrients that offer several health benefits. Drink 1-3 cups per day and be wary of caffeine sensitivity. Drinking too much may cause side effects, but moderate daily consumption is associated with many health benefits,” says the expert.

The best time to drink white tea

You can drink white tea in the morning or afternoon, recommends the expert. The caffeine and L-theanine content gives you energy, improves focus, and calms your mind. However, you should avoid drinking it late in the day since the caffeine may disrupt sleep at night if consumed too close to bedtime.