Antibacterial and antifungal effects of White 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.