White tea slows aging, has a delicate flavor, and is so low in caffeine that you can drink it all day long. It's also very relaxing. Among its many properties is that it helps maintain the body's alkalinity. In this article, we'll discuss: Is white tea acidic? Or is it alkaline?
White tea, green tea, and matcha tea all contain a large amount of antioxidants, but white tea is even more so. This process neutralizes cell oxidation, which means the negative effects of the environment on cells are reduced. In this sense, drinking white tea has a beneficial effect on the skin: it reduces dark spots, wrinkles, and lack of firmness.
On the other hand, if we drink white tea regularly, we will delay the signs of aging. It should be noted that people who live in cities tend to be more susceptible to the effects of free radicals.
What is white tea and what is it used for?
White tea originated 5,000 years ago in China by pure chance. It's a delicate and exquisite beverage. It's said that while taking a walk, Emperor Shen Nung felt thirsty and asked for a pot of water to be boiled. Apparently, a few white tea leaves fell into the hot water, giving it a wonderful flavor and relieving his discomfort.
It may be a fanciful tale, but what is known is that white tea is a healthy and natural beverage. To date, it's the beverage with the highest amount of antioxidants. It's a magnificent tonic and the least processed. White tea also has the following benefits:
Contribution of antioxidants
White tea has a higher antioxidant content than green and black tea. If you include it in your breakfast, your liver and immune system will benefit from the following: epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a polyphenol antioxidant; tannins (lower in content than other teas, making its flavor milder and less astringent); and theaflavins (TFS), the polyphenols that give it its distinctive flavor.
Helps in weight loss
In popular circles it is said that drinking white tea promotes weight loss , because:
- Inhibits new fat cells from forming.
- It is responsible for moving the most resistant fats contained in adipose cells.
- It accelerates metabolism (stimulates lipolysis) to burn calories.
Instead of drinking light drinks, opt for a good cup of white tea, which you can also combine with mixed fruit smoothies.
Improves skin and hair
Due to its high antioxidant content, white tea combats oxidative stress, promoting better-looking skin and healthy, beautiful hair. The catechins (EGCG) prevent hair loss and are effective in treating seborrheic dermatitis. Furthermore, its high phenol content strengthens and stimulates the production of elastin and collagen.
Maintains a good energy level throughout the day
The small amount of L-theanine in white tea increases alertness and provides a calming effect on the mind. It's not a stimulant like coffee, but it's a good hydrating drink and is ideal for maintaining energy throughout the day.
It gives health to the liver
Liver function is stimulated by the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in white tea. To benefit from its benefits, it is recommended to drink one or two cups of tea daily.
Which is better, green or white tea?
White and green tea undergo a low oxidation process, so differentiating them requires a more experienced palate. Let's take a look at some of the differences and similarities between these flavorful teas.
Preparation of the same sheet
Both white and green tea are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis tea plant. The leaves of white tea are harvested earlier than those of green tea. Only the essential parts of the tea plant are used in the production of white tea.
Preparation methods
The brewing method for both types of tea is the same: the leaves are harvested and briefly withered. For example, white tea undergoes a gentle steaming process, which halts the natural oxidation process of the leaves. The less oxidized variety is white tea.
In the case of green tea , the green tea leaves oxidize a little more before the process stops. Green tea production continues with other stages; in the case of white tea, the process stops there. The white tea process is said to be less aggressive than that of green tea.
Its flavors
There are many varieties of green tea, so it's difficult to define their flavors. Their flavors are determined by a significant plant component. White tea flavors tend to be delicate and smooth. It's a tea for sensitive and experienced palates and is often a favorite among tea connoisseurs.
Amount of caffeine
It's impossible to generalize how much caffeine a tea contains because it depends on a number of variables, including the cultivar, the type of leaf, the time it's infused, etc. However, it's said that white tea contains less caffeine than green tea, but this will depend on what was previously stated.
All teas generally have beneficial effects on health, which depend on the degree of oxidation they undergo. However, the oxidation process that different teas undergo determines their antioxidant concentration. Both teas have low levels of oxidation, but white tea is the least oxidized.
