White Tea comes from the same plant as black and green tea; it's the preparation that makes it medicinal and unique
White Tea
Updated Mar. 09th, 2022
White Tea comes from the same tea plant called Camilla Sinensis, which also produces Black, Green and Oolong varieties. The difference in these teas come from what happens once the leaves have been picked and the various processing involved.
What is White Tea?
White Tea comes from the Camilla Sinensis tea plant. The leaves are harvested once the buds of the plant have just opened. There is a white fuzz still on the immature tea leaves which is where the name for the tea comes from. The dried tea looks yellow in appearance.
From there the opened buds are not fermented nor dried or wilted but steamed. This preparation gives the tea a gentle sweet subtle flavour without the 'grassy' aftertaste associated with green tea.
The benefit of steaming the leaves produces a delicate tasting tea and one which has greater health benefits than either black, green or oolong varieties.
What is White Tea used for?
White tea has the highest concentration of an antioxidant content called polyphenols, also called polyphenolics, then any of the other tea varieties. This is because White Tea is the least processed of all the teas. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that fight and kill cancer causing cells and protect you from cells becoming damaged and potentially unhealthy.
Antioxidants like Polyphenols also protect your arteries from atherosclerotic plaques. They protect your brain, eyes and skin from normal wear and tear associated with normal aging.
In fact, White tea is known for its longevity characteristics. Because it protects you from aging and cellular damage, it promotes longevity.
It's also great for your immune system. In a 2004 study from Pace University it was concluded that White Tea can help your immune system fight off viruses and infection causing bacteria.
White Tea is also naturally high in fluoride which cleans and fights dental decay by killing the organisms which cause infection and cavities. It also strengthens teeth and bones, which is important for Osteoporosis prevention.
How does White Tea work?
White Tea's medicinal effects are largely from its high polyphenolic concentration of antioxidants.
Antioxidants neutralize free-radicals in your body preventing them from causing cellular damage, which is also called oxidative damage.
A study out of Oregon State University noted White Tea has a very content of another antioxidant called Catechin. Catechin was found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. According the the American Cancer Society, drinking White Tea may reduce recurrence of breast cancer in survivors.
Catechins also reduce blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. Studies also show that by drinking White Tea it reduces serum cholesterol levels.
Catechins may also increase weight loss as it inhibits adipogenisis (the making of at cells) while also stimulating fat burning activity in your body.
Oxidative damage can harm your cardiovascular system, contribute to atherosclerosis, eye damage, vision impairment and skin damage.
Specifically, how it works is by the antioxidant donating an electron to unstable free radicals. This neutralizes them and inactivates their harmful behavior.
How do you use it?
White Tea can be drunk either hot or cold. Dosage is 1-2 tsp of loose leaf per 8 oz cup or hot water. Let steep 5 – 8 min. White Tea can be consumed as much as you like. White tea does contain caffeine, although lower in amounts than black or green tea.
White tea is one of my favorite teas. It has such an nice taste that is very mild and floral. I'm usually not a fan of the way tea tastes or just don't care for the taste, but with white tea, I definitely noticed the sweet taste and really did grow to appreciate it. Other than the benefits of the taste, I had no idea that white tea also has so many other benefits as well. This is truly a beautiful tea!
Hello,
Thank you for sharing! We love hearing about your experience and love for supplements or tea in this case. White tea is really enjoyable and has a nice light taste.
You may enjoy some of our healthy dessert recipes to go with your cup of tea:
https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/healthy-recipes/
Have a healthy day!
I love white tea! It is probably my favorite type of tea and as you mention good for both dental and oral health (as you mention, it kills harmful microorganisms...another benefit that white tea has for dental health is that it contains flouride).
I always thought white tea got its name from the fact that this is the least processed, purest tea variety: for white tea, leaves are withered outside after harvest before being dried while even green tea must be rolled dried and sorted. The tea thus has a whiteness. I didn't realize that the name actually came from the fact that the buds are white too!! Live and learn and thank you for teaching me! <3
Hello Rachel,
That's great to hear that you love white tea! You're absolutely right, white tea is known for its minimal processing, making it one of the purest tea varieties available.
In addition to its delicate flavour and unique processing method, white tea offers several health benefits. White tea also possesses antimicrobial properties that can help kill harmful microorganisms in the mouth. Glad you could learn something new about one of your favourite teas!
Overall, white tea is a light tea that's beautiful to sip on in the afternoon. Another favourite is green tea, you can learn about it here, https://www.nationalnutrition.ca/articles/supplements/green-tea/