Want to Boost Your Diet? White Tea Benefits Heart Health and Could Help With Weight Loss, Dietitians Say

It’s not surprising that various teas are good for different health aspects. For example, green tea helps lower bad cholesterol and boost metabolism, and black tea provides energy, but what about white tea? While not quite as common as the more popular brews, white tea’s benefits are just as valuable for your well-being. Packed with antioxidants and healthy compounds, white tea is a smart addition to your daily routine. Keep reading to learn more about white tea and how to get the benefits.

What is white tea?

All teas come from the ??Camellia sinensis plant; however, the processing period is what makes white tea different from green or black. “White tea is delicately crafted, with leaves gently plucked and air-dried to a perfect 5–10 percent moisture level,” explains Katie Sanger, MS, MA, RDN, LDN, a dietitian at Well Theory. The leaves are covered in thin white hairs which is where it gets its name. 

“This careful process pauses fermentation, allowing just a touch of oxidation, which gives white tea its unique and delicate profile,” adds Sanger. Green tea is slightly more processed, and black tea is fully oxidized, which is what affects the flavor and nutrition. 

The benefits of white tea

Similar to other brews, white tea offers a ton of benefits thanks to its high antioxidant content and anti-inflammatory properties. Since it’s processed less than green or black teas it retains more of its nutrients. 

It’s good for your heart

“White tea has flavonoids which may benefit heart health by reducing inflammation and helping your immune system,” says Chris Mohr, PhD, RD, a fitness and nutrition advisor at Fortune Recommends Health. It’s also full of polyphenols that can help reduce your risk of heart disease.

According to a study from the journal Pharmacognosy Research, polyphenols can help relax blood vessels and boost immunity. Sanger adds that drinking white tea may help lower cholesterol and improve circulation.

White tea is good for weight loss

Similar to green tea, white tea is also helpful for weight loss. “White tea can boost your immune system, support healthy skin and aid in weight management by increasing metabolism,” says Sanger.

“It has been found that the health benefits of white tea are due to its bioactive components, mainly phenolic compounds and of these, catechins are the most abundant,” says Sanger. One of these catechins is a compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that acts as a fat burner and is also found in green tea. 

It may help  prevent certain cancers

Mohr notes that the high amount of antioxidants in white tea may help reduce cell damage and is linked to a lower risk of cancer.

In a study from the journal Cancer Prevention Research, white tea extract caused the death of cells in several types of lung cancers. White tea has also helped suppress the growth of colon cancer cells and prevented them from spreading. 

How much white tea should you be drinking?

Mohr and Sanger agree that drinking two to four cups of white tea per day will provide you with health benefits. “This amount provides a good balance of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds without overdoing the caffeine,” says Sanger.

White tea has roughly 10-55 mg of caffeine per cup depending on factors such as the type of white tea, brewing time and water temperature.

For more tea benefits:

Does Green Tea Help You Lose Weight? Experts Say Yes, Plus the Easy Ways to Get the Benefits

The Best Tea for a Sore Throat? Docs Reveal Their Top 6 Picks That Soothe Fast

Speed Fat Burn and Tame Stress: The Benefits of Oolong Tea for Women Over 50

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.