Benefits of white tea

Tea has been used for thousands of years not only as a beverage but as an effective medicine for many ailments. Today the medical science is aware that the effects of tea are derived from antioxidants found in tea. Black tea and green tea are very popular beverages and they are very rich in antioxidants, but white tea, which is the least processed form of tea, is believed to contain the highest levels of antioxidants and it is often considered the healthiest beverage available.

Antioxidants in white tea

Antioxidants are nutrients that repair the damage caused to the body by free radicals. Free radicals can damage the DNA structure, accelerate aging, damage the health and cause many different illnesses. The body has its own way for repairing the damage caused by free radicals but its resources are sometimes limited and the body needs help from the outside.

White tea contains a type of antioxidants called flavonoids. They are extremely effective against cancer-forming cells in the body. They inhibit their growth and prevent the formation of new ones.

Catechins are another type of antioxidants that white tea is very rich in. It has been scientifically proven that catechins reduce the levels of cholesterol in the body. Cholesterol is a type of fat that the body actually needs to a certain extent. There is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. A healthy person has higher levels of good cholesterol and lower levels of bad cholesterol. Catechins found in white tea not only reduce the levels of bad cholesterol, they also increase the levels of good cholesterol, which is very important for good cardiovascular health.

Other benefits of white tea

Aside from its amazing antioxidant properties, white tea has other beneficial effects on human health too. For example, it acts as a mild blood thinner, which is important because it normalizes the levels of blood pressure and it keeps arteries in good shape. This, combined with the effects on cholesterol levels, protects the heart and prevents diseases related to it, including the heart attack.

In addition, white tea is very useful for the bones. It improves the bone density and strength and prevents osteoporosis and arthritis.

White tea has antibacterial and antiviral properties and if taken regularly it reduces the risk of infectious diseases, especially the seasonal ones like common cold and flu.

It also protects the teeth and gums, not only because it fights the bacteria in the mouth, but also because it contains small amounts of fluoride.