All over the world people have tried fighting off addiction to coffee by resorting to white tea. This tea has become a very hot topic health wise with numerous studies being done to pin the exact white tea benefits. Pace University did some studies recently and came up with the results that white tea extract is able to effectively kill bacteria, fungal and viral organisms in the body more successfully than other tea varieties. This was done specifically on pneumonia, Staphylococcus infections, Streptococcus infections causing bacteria. White tea rich in fluoride has also been found to help in preventing tooth decay through its action of preventing the growth of dental plaque.
It stimulates and strengthens the immune system so as to battle infections; this is so beneficial especially to those suffering from HIV. Simple infections like flu are effectively managed with white tea. The extract has been proven to effectively destroy disease causing organisms right in the body. It has so many health benefits that studies are still being carried out to discover more.
At Oregon State University in Corvallis, a study has shown that white tea benefits also includes protection from colon cancer, it is as effective as a prescription drug sulindac in prevention against colon cancer. This is mainly due to its antioxidant properties. It is more effective than green tea in the cancer fighting properties causing a reduction in tumor to about20 % from original size.
Processing of the tea
Every type of tea namely, white, green and black have their unique attributes, these results from the processing method after harvesting. The more oxidation it goes though, the lower its healing properties and the diverse its benefits from the other type. The oxidation begins immediately the leaves are harvested and skill in processing it, results in white, green or black tea each with its own taste, flavor and benefits to the body. If left to dry on their own, the resulting tea will be darker, this is the control method of producing various colors, tastes and varying flavors of tea.
In order to break down the leaves, they are rolled releasing their juices, facilitating oxidation and contributing to their unique flavors. The oxidation process is sometimes abruptly halted by steaming or heating the leaf. White and green teas are dried for a day or two then processed quickly whereas, the black alternative is left longer to dry for up to a month giving it the black color and its flavor.
White tea benefits results from a long process that begins from the picking. They are harvested while very young before the buds have opened fully. The name comes from the silver hairs that covers the immature bud when its picked, it turns white on drying. The leaves are then steamed and dried immediately preventing oxidation hence the high antioxidant properties inherent. This healthy tea after processing results in the unique delicate flavor with no tannins found in black tea and the grassy taste in green tea. With this kind of careful processing, white tea benefits will b preserved and enhanced for a healthy life.