White tea benefits

Take a break from your day sit down and enjoy a cup of your favourite White Peony organic tea. The tea comes from the Taimu Mountains in Fujian China. A stunning view of majestic rock formations, breath taking caves and spectacular crystal clear waterfalls and rivers.

Peony white is one of the finest and rarest organic teas. It can only be harvested for a few days a year so a very limited supply is available.  A truly unique flavour with a sweet flowery finish.

Also known as Bai MuDan it is the ideal tea after a full day offering a relaxing and enjoyable experience after a full day.The freshly picked bright green leafs, Peony white, leaves a pale yellow infusion with a delicate floral taste. Very mild and subtle.

It should be infused for a short period of time. The recommended time is 4 minutes in at 185 degrees. I prefer a lower temperature with a slightly longer infusion time. The leaves can be reused a second and perhaps a third time, raising the water temperature slightly for each consequent brew.

We have written about differences between White tea and Green tea, but how about White tea compared to Black tea? For many years, black tea has been the only known so called real tea in the West, most usually called Indian Tea. It was the only tea from Camellia sinensis plant that could endure the long ship transport without losing its flavor in the long trip.

White tea vs. Black tea: Antioxidant polyphenols

Black tea and White tea do come from the same plant, but there are many important differences between them. The first and probably most important difference is in the way they are picked and treated. White tea leaves are picked in a few early months of spring, while they are still young and delicate and covered with fine white hairs. Before White tea leaves are shipped, they are quickly dried and do not undergo the process of oxidation, also known as fermentation and this is why White tea retains the most health giving antioxidants. On the other hand, Black tea leaves are picked later, and because they stay on the plant longer, they contain more caffeine than White tea leaves. After picking, the tea leaves are fermented/oxidized and this process changes the colour of the leaves from green to dark brown or black.

If you’re looking for a tea that will boost your health, definitely go for White tea. Because it is the least processed tea, it retains the highest levels of polyphenols which contain healthy antioxidants. Antioxidants fight free radicals in our body that are formed by exposure to different toxic or harmful factors such as alcohol, sunlight, air pollution, pesticides, etc. Antioxidants attack free radicals and help prevent cell and tissue damage that otherwise leads to illness. Black tea has the least antioxidant polyphenols, comparing to Green tea and White tea, but White tea has the strongest concentration.

White tea vs. Black tea: Flavor

Another big difference between White and Black tea is in the flavor. While White tea distinguishes itself by its subtle and fresh taste, Black tea has a much stronger taste and can be taken with milk, cream and sugar. White tea is best without anything, but black tea lovers might find it a bit to subtle or even watery at first.

White tea vs. Black tea: Caffeine content

A cup of Black tea will have the highest amount of caffeine of all so called common or real teas, even up to three times more than a cup of White tea.

Here are some Caffeine content comparisons:
Coffee (5 oz. cup) … 80 mg
Cola (12 oz. can) … 45 mg
Black Tea (one tea bag) … 40 mg
Oolong Tea (one tea bag) … 30 mg
Green Tea (one tea bag) … 20 mg
White Tea (one tea bag) … 15 mg
Decaf Tea (one tea bag) … 2 mg
Herbal Tea (one tea bag) … 0 mg

If you wish to reduce the caffeine levels of your tea or make your own decaf tea, you might be interested in Homemade decaffeinated tea article.

White tea vs. Black tea: Preparation, brewing and steeping

Black tea is steeped in boiling water, but do not pour boiling hot water over White tea leaves or you will ruin the precious health giving properties of White tea. The best water temperature for steeping White tea is at around 175 degreed Fahrenheit or 80 degrees Celsius. You can reuse the same tea leaves to brew more than one pot of tea. With every reuse, the caffeine level and the taste will diminish. More on how to brew White tea.

Scientific studies have confirmed White tea ingredients to be most effective in boosting immunity function of the cells, in particular cells of the skin, and also the ability to protect skin cells from oxidative stress and sun damage, caused by harmful rays of sunlight. The discovery leads not only to White tea Extract being increasingly used in cosmetics and skin care products such as creams, shampoos, lotions and shower gels, but may, because of its protection against sun damage, also be important in preventing and battling against skin cancer.

Oxidative stress damages the skin cells because it affects strength and function of the cells. White tea extract has shown to protect against oxidative stress of the skin cells. In the study that involved research of White tea extract effect on the skin, exposed to sunlight, scientists found that White tea extract restored even already damaged immune function of the skin cells and limited DNA damage in the skin cells that have been protected by White tea extract before exposing them to the sun. Anti-oxidative properties and anti-aging benefits of White tea extract are linked with many antioxidants, present in White tea and not only does White tea provenly prevent aging of the skin, but also prevents wrinkling, blemishes, acne and mottled pigmentation of the skin.

Similar results were found regarding Green tea, which has shown to effectively decrease direct effects of sunburn and ease sunburns, inflammations and blisters. While White tea and Green tea both contain a high amount of antioxidants, White tea is the least processed of all so called real teas (teas from Camilla sinensis plant; Black tea, Green tea, White tea, Wulong or Oolong tea etc.) and because of that holds the most health benefits of all teas and is being increasingly used in skin and cosmetics products.

How to make your own decaf tea

While the so called real teas or true teas from the Camilla sinensis plant (Black tea, Green tea, Wulong or Oolong, White tea and Pu-erh tea) are all known for their health benefits, the caffeine can be a negative factor. Some people do not take caffeine well or just wish to avoid it for different health reasons or because of pregnancy.

It is very easy to make your own decaffeinated tea yourself. All you need to do is make a »fake« tea and throw it away after 30 seconds and just resteep the same tea leaves again to brew yourself the decaf tea. But we should not forget that, with getting rid of the possibly unhealthy caffeine, we also lose some of the natural antioxidants which procure numerous health benefits. Most of the caffeine will get out after the first 30-40 seconds of steeping, but decaffeinated tea is and can not be entirely caffeine free.

Caffeine content of White, Green and Black tea

If you are a tea lover but wish to consume as little caffeine as possible, White tea is the right choice. It undergoes very little processing and no fermentation (which makes it full of health-giving antioxidants) and it also contains considerably less caffeine than other teas. The amount of caffeine depends on the tea leaf variety, the place where the tea bush was  grown, size of the leaves, and the method and length of brewing or steeping. That is why the reported values re variable.

Caffeine levels of White Tea are about 15 mg per serving, compared to 40 mg in Black Tea, and 20 mg in Green Tea.

Caffeine content in some of the popular drinks and teas

Coffee - Espresso (5 oz. cup) … 80 mg
Cola (12 oz. can) … 45 mg
Black Tea (one tea bag) … 40 mg
Oolong or Wulong Tea (one tea bag) … 30 mg
Green Tea (one tea bag) … 20 mg
White Tea (one tea bag) … 15 mg
Decaf Tea (one tea bag) … 2 mg
Herbal Tea (one tea bag) … 0 mg

More articles on Caffeine:
White tea Caffeine content
White tea and pregnancy
White tea vs. Green tea

White tea has many surprisingly strong antibacterial and even antiviral properties. The teas that we call real teas are all made from the Camellia sinensis plant (white tea, green tea, black tea, oolong or wulong and pu-erh tea) and they all have antibacterial effects, which have been thoroughly studied. So far the results show that the antibacterial and antiviral properties of green tea and white tea are especially good.

White tea has antibacterial and anti-fungal effect

In China, tea has been used as medicine for centuries. Infections and inflammations have been treated with green and white tea for hundreds of years. In 2004, a research at Pace University proved that white tea retards growth of bacteriaStaphylococcus and Streptococcus, in pneumonia and dental caries that causes cavities. The study concluded that which can cause serious infections. An extract of white tea was effective in fighting infections caused by white tea has an even more effective antibacterial agent than green tea.

The research also showed that white tea has strong anti-fungal properties. After contact with white tea extract, harmful yeasts and penicillin spores were rendered inactive.

White tea and Dental health

In an earlier study, conducted at the University of Illinois, researchers found that teas interfere with the harmful bacteria that cause plaque and cavities. Japanese researchers found the same for green tea.

White tea contains a combination of Fluoride and antioxidants

While the antibacterial effects of white tea are believed to be a result of the fluoride content of all teas, the antioxidants also play a major role. The longer the tea leaf is left on the bush, the more the fluoride content of tea leaves increases. Because white tea is picked when the tea leaves are still very young and tender, it contains the least fluoride of the teas, but it gives the strongest antiviral and antibacterial effects due to it’s high levels of antioxidants. For people who are conscious of the health risks connected with fluoride, white tea brings the best health-giving choice.

A lot of people have heard of green tea and its high content of antioxidants and more and more health-conscious people are making the enjoyment of green tea a part of their diet and their daily routine. It’s understandable: green tea contains a high concentration of antioxidants, it makes a tasty and refreshing drink and it has a low caffeine content.

But there is something even better around the corner and this time it’s time for white tea. As a matter of fact, green tea and white tea both come from the same plant (Camellia sinensis), but white tea leaves that are picked before they open fully, when the buds are still covered in fine, white hairs. That is why it’s called white tea.

The main difference between green and white tea is that white tea leaves are harvested at a younger age than the green tea leaves and, while they both undergo very little processing, white tea is not fermented at all, while green tea is partly fermented (black tea on the other hand is fully fermented). Because they are so gently treated, white tea and green tea retain the most of their beneficial antioxidants, white tea even more than green.

Now let’s look how green and white cousin do in the field of their health benefits, flavor and price.

Antioxidants
The young, white tea leaves retain higher concentrations of antioxidants than green tea. In fact, white tea has a concentration of antioxidants that is three times higher than in green tea. This makes white tea the tea with the highest antioxidant content, which is usually the main reason for drinking white tea. It is interesting to know that one cup of white tea contains approximately 12 times as much antioxidants as a glass of fresh orange juice.

Flavor
To some, green tea tastes a little »grassy«. White tea has a much gentler, subtler taste, which is smooth and silky, almost sweet.

Caffeine
White tea contains less caffeine than green tea, about 15 mg per serving compared to the 20 mg for green tea. If caffeine is not what you’re going for, white tea is probably a better choice for you.

Price
Because white tea is hand plucked from special tea bushes during only a few days of early spring and treated in such a delicate manner, it is much more scarce than other types of tea. That ofcourse comes with a higher price and white tea can be up to three times as expensive as green tea. On the other hand, less white tea is needed to get a fresh and strong infusion of antioxidants that strengthens the immune system and the body. Only a spoonful of white tea buds is enough to brew about one quart (one liter) of white tea, and you can resteep it several times.

Drinking green tea is definitely a great habit, which will provide the much needed antioxidants, but going for white tea is surely a step ahead.

In 2001, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that men and women of Japan have the longest “Healthy Life Expectancy” in the world. This longevity has long been associated with the Japanese people’s regular consumption of tea (They often drink over 10 cups a day). Those assumptions were confirmed by scientific research: Researchers at the Saitama Cancer Center Research Institute reported that people who drank more than ten cups of tea (Camellia sinensis) a day experienced significantly better heart health and stronger immune system than those who drank less than three cups a day.

With white and green tea supplements it is easier to obtain the desired amount of beneficial, health-giving ingredients of Green and White tea (catechins and antioxidant polyphenols). White tea Supplements usually come in Green and White tea combination Capsules, which provide a very potent Green and White Tea Extract.

Health benefits of White Tea Capsules

Best Green and White tea capsules contain about 70% EGCG. EGCG is short for Epigallocatechin gallate, a type of catechin found in green and white tea, which scientifically proven prevents and fights cancer (especially breast cancer), prevents premature aging of cells, effectively burns calories and as a metabolism supporter plays a major role in weight loss.

One tea capsule provides a large amount of White tea polyphenols. White tea polyphenols are powerful anti-oxidants which reduce oxidative cell damage. Medical researches have found a high correlation between oxidative damage and the occurrence of disease. Research suggests that consumption of antioxidant-rich foods reduces damage to cells and biochemicals from free radicals. Antioxidants in White Tea are said to be more powerful that vitamin E, vitamin C and red wine resveratrol.

White Tea Capsules with White Tea Extract will:

• Boost your energy.
• Burn calories and help you lose weight.
• Help maintain cardiovascular function and a healthy circulatory system.
• Help prevent or fight Cancer.
• Helps maintain a healthy cholesterol level.
• Prevent diseases.
• Prevent premature aging.
• Reduce signs of aging on the skin.
• Tackle harmful Free Radicals.

Please bear in mind that Green and White tea (like Black tea, Oolong or Wu-long and all tea varieties from Camellia sinensis plant) contain caffeine. The caffeine amount in one tea capsule should be stated on the wrapping. If you are pregnant or nursing, please read the article on White tea and pregnancy.

As with any dietary or herbal supplement, you should advise your health care practitioner of the use of this product. If you are nursing, pregnant, or considering pregnancy, you should consult your health care practitioner prior to using this product. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

What is Kombucha and what are its health benefits?

Kombucha drink is a probiotic (pro bio = in favor of life), made by fermenting tea and sugar with Kombucha culture. It tastes something between sparkling apple cider and champagne.

Kombucha has shown to have antibiotic, antiviral and anti-fungal properties. It has shown to protect against stress and to improve liver function. Other benefits include improvements in energy levels, metabolic disorders, allergies, cancer, digestive problems, candidiasis, hypertension, HIV, chronic fatigue and arthritis. It can also be used externally (topic use) for skin problems and conditions.

Which Tea to use to make Kombucha Tea?

Kombucha requires tea to ferment and it has to be real tea from Camellia sinensis plant. You can make Kombucha tea with Black tea, Wulong or Oolong tea, Green Tea (especially Japanese Sencha) or White tea. To enjoy maximum health benefits, we suggest preparation of Kombucha White tea. White tea is the rarest and most delicate tea that provides most antioxidant properties. Since it is the least processed form of tea, it has three times as many antioxidant polyphenols as green tea.

Make your own White Tea Kombucha Drink

Preparation of Kombucha Tea is quite easy and will not take much of your time. You will need to get Kombucha mushroom culture from someone you know or buy it from a health food store. This is how to brew:

• Boil three quarts of purified water.
• When the water starts boiling, Add 1 cup white sugar. Boil for another 5 minutes.
• Let the water cool down a bit.
• Add about four tea bags of white tea or proportional quantity of loose white tea.
• Steep for about 15 minutes (can be more) and let it cool.
• Pour cooled tea into a glass container (one gallon size).
• Place Kombucha culture with the smooth, shiny surface up.
• Add one cup of fermented Kombucha Tea from a previous batch (or substitute 1/4 cup distilled vinegar).
• Place a clean cloth over the jar and secure it with a rubber band to keep dust, mould, spores and vinegar flies out of the fermenting tea.
• Let it sit undisturbed in a well aired, darkened place away from direct sunlight for 6 - 15 days.
• When the tea is brewed to your taste, remove the two cultures.
• Gently separate and place the cultures in a glass bowl, covered with plastic wrap or a plastic container and refrigerate. You can keep them refrigerated for about six months.
• Pour the fermented tea through a coffee filter and bottle it into a glass bottle.

Is it safe to drink Kombucha Tea while pregnant?

There are many different opinions on drinking Kombucha during pregnancy but in general, it is advised that if you have been drinking kombucha without problems up untill getting pregnant, it is fine and very healthy to drink it while pregnant. But if you haven’t been drinking it up untill now, do not start while pregnant, since a bad reaction to Kombucha is possible.

Does it work? Well, scientists believe Acai berry to be a supreme natural food that provides total body and colon cleanse and proves to be highly effective in weight loss. It melts away fat (is a fat burner), and works as a laxative. Latest study showed that Acai Berry is full of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids. It cleanses the body and helps it get rid of dangerous free radicals.

100% Pure Organic Acai Berry Antioxidant Facial Cream

The Brazilian natives have bee eating Acai berry for centuries and value it for it’s benefits, mostly its healing and sustaining powers. Now health benefits of this small berry are becoming known to the entire world.

Acai Berry is offered in wide range of products, from all natural drink Acai Berry Juice to Acai Berry Liquid Extract and powder. Many people believe it to be a great supplement. Because White tea has a concentration of antioxidants, three times higher than the one in Green tea and is known as world’s most effective all natural weight loss diet, combining White tea with Acai Berry brings the best of both worlds: It combines the power of all natural superfood with a natural, effective and safe weight loss solution.

The main causes of acne are the toxins building up within the body, hormonal imbalance and overproduction of the sebum gland. It is a proven fact that Green Tea is an effective natural cure for acne. However, compared to the Green tea, White tea offers even more health benefits. White tea and Green tea actually come from the same plant but White tea is less processes and therefore contains even more antioxidants compared to Green tea.

White tea is rich in flavonoids, antioxidants that fight free radicals. The presence of these flavonoids is what has made Green tea so effective in treating acne, but research shows that the flavonoids present in White tea are up to 50 times more effective than the ones present in Green tea. White tea is also rich in alpha hydroxy acid and zinc, the key to smooth and blemish-free skin.There are already many White skin cosmetic products available, but do not forget that a good acne diet is the key to success. Scientists suggest at least 3-6 cups of White tea a day for the best acne-clearing results.

And why not try loose leaf White tea? Loose leaf White tea is a wonderful and tasty treat and it provides even more antioxidant benefits because they are freshly prepared. It is quite easy to prepare loose leaf tea too: Several retailers sell tea makers in which you can put your loose leaf tea and boiling water. After the tea has steeped, you simply place the unit on top of your tea mug, and the tea drains out. Once you include White tea in your acne diet, you will be surprised at how convenient it it is and how well it works. Read more about White tea Skin benefits.