Although white tea does not enjoy as much popularity in the Western hemisphere as other varieties, it is one of the most natural teas that exist.
It is one of the most delicate tea varieties because its processing requires very controlled conditions.
It comes from the very young leaves of the tea tree (Camellia Sinensis), and its production is deficient.
Because white tea leaves do not undergo oxidation, it contains the least amount of caffeine, about 15 mg per cup approximately.
Its elaboration process is extremely simple, so it keeps the properties intact and has a delicate and fresh taste.
One of the great benefits of tea is the high concentration of antioxidants they possess.
The antioxidants protect the organism from free radicals that are produced freely by our metabolism, and that cause many harmful processes like damaging the DNA and cellular aging.
Antioxidants protect us from several of these effects, such as type II diabetes or cancer.
Experimental studies have shown that flavonoids promote the relaxation of blood vessels, helping to control hypertension.
By lowering blood pressure, white tea is useful for a wide range of cardiovascular health benefits.
White tea is precisely the highest level of catechins and polyphenols present.
Related article: 8 Things You Must Know About White Tea Benefits.
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White Tea Caffeine Content-An Easy Guide.
White tea contains around 15-20 mg of caffeine per cup, so the main side effects of this drink are related to it.
Although white tea has much less theine than others, it exerts a stimulating effect on the nervous system in such a way that its consumption is not recommended in people with nervousness, stress, anxiety, or patients with high blood pressure who are taking medication for it, since these conditions could be aggravated.
Likewise, it is not advisable to drink more than 3 cups a day of white tea, because in excess it can cause problems falling asleep, irritability and nervousness.
Milder, low-caffeine tea varieties have about 15 milligrams per cup.
Those teas with the highest caffeine content can have around seventy-five milligrams per cup.
Among the three most common types of Chinese white tea, silver needles (bai hao Yinzhen) is the highest in caffeine and has the lightest color and mildest taste.
The Shou Mei (longevity eyebrows) is the darkest in color and has the strongest flavor, but the lowest caffeine content
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Side effects.
While it is true that green tea does have specific contraindications, the truth is that as some scientific studies have concluded, as far as white tea is concerned, no evident side effects.
It is mainly due to its low caffeine content, which compared to green tea, contributes only half.
And yet it does have more significant benefits due to its high content of polyphenols and antioxidants.
Therefore, only contraindications in those people who are allergic to white tea in it.
How to make a cup of White Tea.
To make the most of your cup of White Tea, follow these simple steps.
It uses weak mineralization water in a temperature range of 60o to 80 OC.
Heat the kettle with hot water and place 2 g of White Tea per 200 cl cups of water, leaving them to rest for 2 minutes with the moisture in the kettle.
Pour the hot water over the preheated leaves and leave in infusion for 3 to 7 minutes, depending on variety and personal taste.
We can make up to 3 exquisite infusions with the selected White tea leaves.
To take advantage of all the antioxidants of White Tea, we recommend preparing it in maceration.
Leave the buds at rest for 2 hours in cold water, and you’ll get a refreshing, healthy drink.
With this method of preparation, white tea polyphenols have shown more activity than preparing it with hot water, an increase that has no other varieties of tea.
Due to its high potassium content, it is advisable to take between 1 and 3 cups daily.
You should also keep in mind that white tea has a somewhat delicate flavor and sweet taste.
So if you want, you can do without sugar or sweeteners.
Related article: 5 teas from the same plant as green tea.
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White tea vs Green tea.
Depending on the variety of tea, and although this figure is not accurate, if indicative, we can say that green tea contains 75% antioxidants compared to white tea.
Therefore, white tea is sometimes said to be more beneficial than green tea.
Most studies refer that the causal agent of the beneficial health effects of green tea is antioxidants.
Hence, if white tea contains more antioxidants, it is probably also more beneficial to health.
Instead, green tea contains more caffeine. One cup of green tea contains approximately 25-30 mg of caffeine and that of white tea around 15-20 mg.
Many of the benefits of tea are associated with caffeine.
We can say that green tea is more balanced because even if it contains fewer antioxidants than white tea, it is still a drink rich in antioxidants.
In addition, green tea contains more caffeine, which would be more useful for weight loss and increasing alert or concentration levels.
Although keep in mind that both are perfectly compatible, the difference between antioxidant content is very modest and caffeine is also when compared to black tea which contains few antioxidants and a lot of caffeine.
Related article: Can white tea help us with weight loss?
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