WHITE, GREEN AND BLACK TEA. WHICH IS BEST? THE ANSWER WILL SURPRISE YOU!
Black, green and white tea have a single common source: the Camellia sinensis plant. Native to China, this plant has been harvested as tea for millenia. Scholars note that Emperors of the Han Dynasty enjoyed tea from the genus Camellia as early as the 2nd century BCE! I wonder how long it took them to drink it iced...
Out of the three tea varieties, green tea seems to get all the hype. And why wouldn’t it? It’s great for you. However, if you are looking to maximize the anti-aging, anti-inflammatory benefits of the Camellia sinensis plant, you may opt for white tea instead.
The difference in color, nutrients and taste comes from the difference in harvesting and processing methods between the three colored teas.
The other teas:
Black tea is fully oxidized. The oxidation process tends to denature part of the plant’s antioxidant content, making the black tea’s nutrients less potent than white and green teas. Caffeine content is generally highest in black tea.
Green tea is the most talked about tea variety because it is the most popular and the most studied. Most health claims revolve around green tea--rather than white--because of the comparative depth of literature surrounding it. Green tea is made from more mature tea leaves than white tea, and may be withered prior to steaming or firing. As white tea gets more studied, it should catch up and surpass the health claims associated with green tea.
All about white tea:
White tea is either picked as Camellia sinensis buds before they fully open, or from very young tea leaves. It has minimal or no processing which helps maintain the high level of antioxidants that are naturally found in the leaves. Antioxidants help to protect cells from oxidative damage, which is useful in terms of disease prevention, reducing inflammation, and anti-aging. White tea has is subject to the least amount of processing of the three teas and has higher antioxidant content than both green and black teas. White tea also has very little caffeine, which makes it a great everyday staple for reducing oxidative damage without having to worry about stimulants.
Caffeine Content
🔹White tea ~ 10 mg/ 6 oz cup
🔹Green tea ~ 20 mg/ 6 oz cup
🔹Black tea ~ 40 mg/ 6 oz cup
🔹Coffee ~ 130 mg / 6 oz cup
Active Constituents
Polyphenols are bioactive molecules found in plants that act as antioxidants in the body. Teas contain many polyphenols such as catechins, theaflavins, tannins and flavonoids.
Catechins are found in particularly high levels in white teas. They are thought to be responsible for much of antioxidants’ health benefits. Black, green and white teas contain polyphenols, but at varying concentrations and molecular forms, with white tea being the highest.
L theanine is the main amino acid found in tea. It has been shown to increase alpha brain wave frequencies, which promote a relaxed body and mind without drowsiness. This makes tea more effective than coffee: the L theanine prevents anxiety and enhances a peaceful mind, all while improving alertness and concentration. It is unclear which tea variety is highest in L theanine, but there’s plenty in white tea.
Tannins are are another group of polyphenols found in tea. Although tannins have health supportive benefits, they also can reduce the absorption of certain nutrients, such as iron. It is suggested to drink tea either an hour before or an hour after meals in order to ensure full nutrient absorption. Tannins are also found in coffee.
Buy Organic
Tea plants, if not grown organically, are a highly sprayed crop. Many conventional tea brands have tested positive for alarming amounts of pesticides. To ensure your tea is health enhancing, and not heath negating, be sure to purchase USDA organic products.
White tea has been shown to improve
🔹Insulin resistance
🔹Oral health
🔹Premature aging of the skin
🔹Elimination of free radicals
🔹Heart health
🔹Brain health
🔹Cancer prevention
🔹Weight loss
🔹Inflammation
🔹Acne
