In recent years, numerous types of tea have propped up across the world, each with a wide range of health benefits of its own. However, debates are always rife as to which tea has the maximum health benefits, and which tea is suitable for which situation or ailment.
To compare two such famous healthy teas, which the white tea and green tea, the OnlyMyHealth team spoke to Swati Bathwal, Dietician, Nutritionist, and Diabetes Educator to understand which is healthier, green tea or white tea.
White Tea Health Benefits
Before diving into which tea is better, here are some of the potential health benefits of white tea as found by research published in the World Journal of Plastic Surgery:
- Antioxidant Properties: White tea contains antioxidants, such as catechins, which help to neutralise free radicals in the body, thus protecting from oxidative stress. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to ageing and disease.
- Heart Health: White tea may have a positive effect on heart health by improving cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease. The antioxidants in white tea may help to reduce inflammation and improve the function of blood vessels.
- Skin Health: The antioxidants in white tea may also benefit skin health by protecting against UV damage and reducing the risk of premature ageing.
- Boosted Immune System: The antioxidants in white tea may help to strengthen the immune system and protect against common illnesses such as colds and flu.
- Cancer Prevention: The antioxidants in white tea may have anticancer properties, potentially helping to prevent the development of certain types of cancer. However, the evidence is not conclusive, and further studies are needed to fully understand this relationship.
Green Tea Health Benefits
Green tea is renowned for its numerous health benefits, many of which stem from its high concentration of antioxidants and other bioactive compounds. Here are some of its potential health benefits as found by a Japanese study published in the journal Chinese Medicine:
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- Antioxidant Properties: Green tea is rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins which have potent antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help neutralise free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
- Heart Health: Green tea may promote heart health by improving cholesterol levels, reducing blood pressure, and enhancing the function of blood vessels, lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Weight Management: Green tea has been shown to boost metabolism and increase fat oxidation, helping to promote weight loss or weight maintenance when combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
- Brain Health: The caffeine and amino acid L-theanine found in green tea can improve mood, cognitive function, and alertness, while also promoting relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety levels.
- Improved Blood Sugar Control: Green tea may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which could be beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.
- Cancer Prevention: Green tea consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of various types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer.
- Liver Health: Regular intake of green tea has been linked to a lower risk of liver diseases, such as fatty liver disease and liver cancer.
Green Tea vs White Tea
Overall, Bathwal suggested that one should give preference to green tea over white tea. However, if you love white tea, one way to enhance its health benefits, even more so than green tea, is by adding lemon to it. “When lemon is added to white tea, it enables the tea’s phytonutrients to be released as these phytonutrients require a certain pH level to be released.”
When it comes to cancer prevention though, Bathwal shared that white tea takes the cake even though both green and white tea have cancer-preventive properties.
Bathwal concluded the comparison by suggesting the best practices when consuming tea. She recommended against steeping the tea for more than a minute, adding milk to your tea, and eating unhealthy with your tea. As with any dietary supplement, it's best to consume white tea or green tea as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.