7 beneficial properties of white tea for humans
White tea is the type of tea closest to green tea . During its production, the leaves of the tea bush undergo the least fermentation compared to other types of tea.
Due to minor processing, it retains a maximum of valuable substances (polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins) and is considered one of the most useful.
Modern science has been able to prove a lot of useful biological properties of white tea, which allow it to be used not only in folk medicine, but also in evidence-based medicine.
7 useful properties
Let's look at the main facts about the benefits of white tea (based on scientific sources of information).
1. Has antioxidant properties
White tea is a valuable source of polyphenols (mainly catechins). Polyphenols are antioxidants and neutralize free radicals in the body, which can lead to damage, death or malignant degeneration of cells.
Free radical mechanisms increase the risk of developing chronic diseases of the heart and blood vessels, the endocrine system, and autoimmune disorders.
Research results show that white tea is one of the most powerful plant antioxidants. It even surpasses green tea in its properties.
Scientists from Spain, during laboratory experiments, found that the medicinal drink is able to protect cells from hydrogen peroxide, which belongs to the group of free radicals.
According to British experts, white tea also inhibits chronic inflammation, which is equally important in order to prevent the development of chronic pathologies.
Most of the data were obtained during laboratory experiments or animal experiments. The effect of the drink in the human body has not been studied enough.
2. Reduces the risk of developing heart and vascular pathologies
Diseases of the cardiovascular system occupy a leading position in terms of mortality and disability in all developed countries. There are several reasons for negative statistics: poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle, smoking and alcohol abuse.
Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress also play a role, which white tea fights.
Scientists from Slovakia discovered that the drink increases the production of nitric oxide in the walls of the arteries. This substance causes relaxation of arterial vessels and a decrease in blood pressure.
The active substances in tea normalize the lipid profile. In particular proven the ability of white tea to reduce the level of the most dangerous fraction of lipids in the blood – low density lipoproteins (LDL). With a high concentration of LDL on the walls of blood vessels, they form atherosclerotic plaques and such terrible diseases as coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction, chronic cerebral ischemia, stroke develop.
White tea is recommended for all persons suffering from cardiovascular diseases or having an increased predisposition to their development.
Proven that taking only 3 cups of a drink daily reduces the risk of manifestation of heart and vascular pathologies by 21%.
3. Helps to lose weight
White tea is effective for weight loss and maintaining a normal weight.
The drink is saturated with caffeine and catechins (epigallocatechingallate). These substances accelerate metabolism in adipose tissue, causing increased destruction of adipocytes.
According to the data experts from Germany, epigallocatechingallate is even able to completely stop the formation of new fat depots in the body (with daily intake).
Only 1 serving of tea Accelerates metabolism by 4-5%. The effect persists throughout the day.
The drink is recommended for people who are obese or overweight, as well as athletes in order to maintain an ideal weight.
White tea does not interfere with the gender mechanisms of fat metabolism regulation and is equally beneficial for women and men.
4. Useful for tooth enamel
White Tea – source
fluorine, catechins and tannins. These components are necessary to maintain the strength and integrity of the tooth enamel, as well as to destroy pathogens in the oral cavity.
Fluorine responds for the restoration of destroyed areas of teeth. A sufficient level of the mineral in the diet is the basis for the prevention of dental caries.
Catechins of white tea give Additional protection against pathogens and plaque.
Combination of catechins, polyphenols and tannins creates strong protection against pathogenic bacteria responsible for the development of dental caries and infectious and inflammatory processes in the soft tissues of the oral cavity.
Regular intake of white tea protects teeth from caries and helps maintain oral health in general.
5. Reduces the risk of developing cancer
The abundance of antioxidants allows you to use the drink in order to prevent malignant tumors.
In addition, the active ingredients of white tea are presumably, slow down or even stop the division of cancer cells, prevent metastasis.
Currently, the effectiveness against cancer of the following organs has been proven ( 1 , 2 ):
- Lungs;
- Colon and rectum.
It is important to note that the properties of the drink have been studied exclusively in the laboratory. White tea extract was used for experiments.
6. Reduces blood sugar levels
Insulin resistance or decreased sensitivity of peripheral receptors to insulin is the main pathogenetic factor in the development of type II diabetes mellitus.
The polyphenols contained in white tea can increase the sensitivity of peripheral receptor complexes. As a result, the cells quickly and efficiently absorb glucose, the concentration of which in the blood begins to decrease. To similar conclusions came employees of the University of Kwazulu-Natal (South Africa).
Also a drink enhances the effect of insulin, further reducing the concentration of glucose in blood plasma.
White tea, when taken for a long time, also leads to reduce the level of glycated hemoglobin, an indicator of blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Consequently, the effects are long-lasting and persistent.
The drink is recommended for patients with type I and II diabetes mellitus (in order to reduce the doses of medications taken), as well as people with a burdened medical history (the presence of the disease in close relatives, overweight, etc.).
7. Increases bone strength
Osteoporosis is a decrease in bone mineral density. The disease affects most people over the age of 60 and leads to the development of fractures.
An essential role in the formation of pathology playing oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. These processes stimulate the activity of cells that cause bone resorption.
Antioxidants in tea inhibit chronic inflammation and indirectly allow strengthen bones .
Possible harm
Occasionally, white tea can cause side effects and harm humans. The most common are:
- Exacerbation of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. In large volumes, the drink causes irritation of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines, which can lead to an exacerbation of gastritis, duodenitis, and peptic ulcer disease.
- Poisoning. May occur when taking 7-10 cups of white tea at the same time. It manifests itself in the form of nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and general weakness.
White tea is not contraindicated for women during pregnancy, as well as for children.
Admission Tips
Let's focus on the main aspects of healthy consumption of white tea:
- How to brew properly? For cooking, pour 2 tablespoons of dried leaves with 200 ml of hot water (temperature – about 85 degrees). Let it brew for 15-20 minutes, strain.
- How much can I drink? Do not take more than 3-4 cups (200 ml each) of white tea daily.
- Reception time. It is better to drink tea in the afternoon or evening, or in the morning, but after breakfast. Eating on an empty stomach can irritate the mucous membranes of the digestive system.
- How to store tea. Tea leaves should be stored in any containers (preferably glass ones) with a tightly closed lid in a dark and dry place.
Conclusion
- White tea is a healthy drink, in the production of which tea leaves undergo a slight fermentation.
- It is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances, and some vitamins.
- Regular intake of white tea can reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases of the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, malignant tumors, caries, diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis. In cosmetology, the drink is used to maintain and reduce body weight.
- It is recommended to approach the drink correctly, taking into account all recommendations. This will significantly reduce the risk of side effects.
