Of Chinese origin, white tea is extracted from Camellia sinensis , as well as green tea and black tea.
The difference between them is that the leaves are younger and have not yet undergone the oxidation process characteristic of other teas, so the flavor is also smoother.
On the other hand, one of the similarities is that it also has a high weight loss power , in addition to health benefits.
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Main benefits of white tea
Rich in vitamins C, K and B complex, in addition to potassium, manganese, folic acid , caffeine and many more properties, white tea can be a great ally for health maintenance once added to everyday food.
1- Powerful antioxidant
The antioxidant properties contained in white tea act to prevent premature aging of cells. This directly influences the health of the skin, reducing signs of age and preventing them from being formed.
The benefit is not just aesthetic, as antioxidants protect organs from free radicals as well. The brain is one of those beneficiaries, for example, because its activity is preserved from neurodegenerative diseases related to free radicals.
In fact, tea made with Camellia sinensis acts as a cancer preventive because of the antioxidant activity of catechins. Patients who are already undergoing treatment, however, should not consume without cancer indication.
2- Control diabetes
White tea can help relieve symptoms of diabetes, especially polydipsia (excessive thirst). The tea also controls blood glucose levels , decreasing it by up to 48%, and increasing the production of insulin secretion.
3- Increases immunity
Keeping the immune system strong is extremely important to prevent diseases and, in case of infection, cure infections, the most common being colds and flu.
White tea is one of the allies in increasing immunity in the human body, acting as an antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial.
The antibacterial effects end up being so potent that white tea can be in the chemical composition of personal care products such as soaps.
The bactericidal action not only protects contagious diseases through the external environment, but also acts to prevent the development of infections in the internal organs.
4- Lose weight
White tea contains substances that can be excellent aids in the weight loss process .
The catechins contained in the drink inhibit the formation of fat cells in the body, which ends up preventing fat gain. Daily consumption of tea containing 690 mg of the substance is, in fact, helpful in preventing obesity and improving lifestyle.
Another property that acts on this theme is caffeine, which even though it is found in small amounts – compared to other teas derived from Camellia sinensis -, helps in the fat burning process, as it is thermogenic .
5- Favors well-being
Because it has an amino acid called L-theanine, white tea acts as a booster of good mood and increased mental clarity.
By elevating the levels of gammaaminoburyric acid (GABA), dopamine and serotonin – which are neurotransmitters related to the feeling of well-being, this tea relaxes the nerves and reduces stress .
How to make white tea
Preparing white tea is quite simple, however it is important to have a quality selection of the leaves – these can be purchased at stores specializing in natural products and herbs.
Heat three cups (about 700 ml) of filtered water, taking care not to let it boil, just raise signs of boiling (when the bubbles appear at the bottom of the pan).
Remove the water from the heat and add two tablespoons of the herb, covering the container so that the drink is infused for up to five minutes.
Strain and drink up to three cups a day . For best effects, drink without sweetening with sugar or sweeteners, preferring honey if really necessary.
White tea has a light color that may resemble pale yellow. Its aroma is refreshing, but the flavor varies with notes of fruits, flowers and even a buttery sweet, quite different from the characteristic bitter flavor of green and black teas.
TIP! For those who are adding white tea for its slimming properties, add a little cinnamon or ginger to enhance the thermogenic effect.
Care
Excessive consumption of white tea, although not as harmful as other teas made with Camellia sinensis , can increase blood pressure , cause episodes of insomnia and lead to gastric disorders.
Moms pregnant and nursing mothers should not make the consumption of white tea without prescription, because the substances pass to the baby either by the placenta as the mother ‘s milk.
People who suffer from insomnia, hypertensives and people who suffer from other heart problems need to be careful in the consumption of white tea. Consulting the doctor before adding the drink on a daily basis is important for these cases.
About white tea
White tea comes from a plant native to the Asian continent , Camellia sinensis, which is a tall shrub, measuring up to 15 meters in height.
Camellia sinensis
White tea is made with the plant at a stage where it is covered with whitish fuzz to protect itself from sunlight. This down is responsible for the concentration of polyphenols, antioxidant substances.
The Camellia sinensis is rich in beneficial chemical compounds to health. In white tea are found 13 types of catechins, for example, the flavonoids that constitute 10 to 25% in young leaves and sprouts.
This composition is similar to green tea and different from black tea, where the catechins are oxidized, causing enzymatic browning.
My name is Ellie Lauderdale, MD and I am USA based professional Nutritionist .
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and board certified specialist in sports dietetics who is trained in integrative medicine. I have worked with hundreds of clients, from those suffering with chronic disease to professional and olympian athletes. My goal is to help optimize you from the inside so that you can feel, perform, and look your best on the outside.