White Tea Benefits

Since the release of early-stage research that suggests white tea benefits a host of health-related concerns, demand for the delicate tasting brew has dramatically increased.

Studies indicate the tea's natural properties can help boost immune systems, prevent dental plaque build-up, provide possible colon cancer protection, and help guard against skin cell damage.

While white tea has been around for thousands of years in Asia, scientists have only recently discovered that the tea's benefits may feature stronger antioxidant properties than other varieties.

Findings from another study conducted at the Skin Study Center at University Hospitals of Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University reveal indicators that white tea helps skin cells by boosting immune systems when exposed to harmful sun rays.

This suggests that white tea potentially can be used to treat some forms of skin cancer – and serve as an agent in cosmetics to protect against signs of aging from damaged skin.

An article published in the Carcinogenesis journal by scientists from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University found that consumption of moderate amounts of white or green tea may hedge against colon tumors consistent with the prescription drug, sulindac. When used in combination with the drug, the results were more effective.

For white tea, young tea leaves that are picked before the buds have fully opened. The buds are covered with silver fuzz that turns white when they are steamed and dried -- hence the name: white tea.

Rather than being air-dried, white tea leaves undergo less processing and are steamed. This process keeps the leaves closer to their natural state and increases the tea’s anti-oxidant properties.

Tea connoisseurs find white tea varieties delicate and sweet, with little or no grassy taste that is sometimes noted in green and black varieties.

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