The benefits of white tea were known many years ago. Initially, only members of the Chinese imperial family could appreciate all the luxury of the drink. If the emperor treated any of the nobles to a wonderful drink, this was equated with the highest praise and favor of the ruler. The cost of tea was simply enormous, but it was also difficult to find. Those who collected buds and leaves were subject to very high demands: they were not allowed to consume alcohol, spices with a strong aroma, garlic and other products, the smell of which could be transferred to the freshly harvested crop. The method of preparing white tea was kept a big secret for many years.
The birthplace of the drink of the emperors, or the “elixir of immortality”, as it was also called, is considered to be a small village in Fujian province. And although researchers have established other places of growth, the most elite varieties could only be collected there. Delicate aroma, refined taste quickly gained popularity among tea lovers even today. But it has still not been possible to graft the plant outside its historical homeland. An analogue of white tea grows in the mountains of Sri Lanka, but it cannot compete with real Chinese tea.
Nutritional value of white tea and its chemical composition
100 g of tea leaves contains:
It is worth noting that all beneficial substances are preserved due to minimal heat treatment fresh product (only 2 minutes). White tea occupies a leading position in terms of quantity useful substances among drinks, while the caffeine content in it is minimal compared to other varieties.
To put it in simple and understandable language, it contains:
- vitamins A, B1, B2, B15, C, P, PP;
- microelements;
- amino acids, etc.
The beneficial properties of white tea allow you to drink the drink at any time of the day. High demands even on the time of collection, and I collect it only a couple of hours early in the morning on a sunny day, as well as the natural drying of the leaves under the sun’s rays, preserve the pleasant taste and beneficial components.
The benefits of white tea for the body
The drink received its second name “elixir of immortality” for a reason. Thanks to its constituent components, it has a beneficial effect on blood circulation, normalizes blood pressure, reduces the risk of blood clots, and lowers cholesterol levels. Scientists have noted the amazing beneficial properties of white tea for diabetes, obesity, chronic fatigue. It helps the body build immunological defenses against cancer, aging, and infectious diseases. At regular use the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis is reduced.
Thanks to essential oils, contained even in small quantities, white tea has a magical aroma, and also effectively quenches thirst and refreshes. A little caffeine stimulates and keeps the body in good shape. Even dentists did not remain indifferent to the beneficial properties of white tea, noting it positive influence on the body in the fight against the formation of caries. The ability to remove waste, toxins, alcohol and nicotine is also important.
For those who are in a stressful situation, the drink is simply irreplaceable. It improves blood circulation in the brain, relieves fatigue and fear, and relaxes. White tea is beneficial even for allergy sufferers, and because it has beneficial influence on the respiratory system. But young ladies will certainly be interested in its ability to break down fats, which makes white tea simply an essential supplement when losing weight.
Harm of white tea
Why is white tea harmful? Scientists have not yet found an answer to this question, so pregnant women and children are allowed to drink white tea. The only exception may be people with individual intolerance to the product or allergies to its components.
Helpful advice: White tea is best bought in May-June, but not packaged. Since the sheets are quite fragile, they are transported very carefully. In packages they will simply lose their properties. But the timing of the purchase is due to the fact that there is a greater likelihood of purchasing this year’s brew, which has not had time to lose all its beneficial substances. Pay attention to the shelf life! It should not exceed 12 months.
How to brew white tea
If 1 liter of drink is being prepared, then 3 tbsp is added to the water. spoons of tea leaves. 2 teaspoons are required per cup. There is no need to pour boiling water; a water temperature of 70-75 degrees is sufficient. Afterwards the drink is left to brew for 10 minutes. It is recommended not to add sugar. In order not to lose all the beneficial properties of white tea, you should drink it within 15-20 minutes.
This exquisite drink has confidently crossed the boundaries of simply pleasant and aromatic; it is recognized throughout the world as very useful product. If you brew it correctly, you can enjoy the subtle taste and smell that characterize the fragile transparent buds of tea, called white, while simultaneously getting rid of illnesses and bad moods.
White tea - what is it?
Gourmets know very well that white tea is an exquisite drink with original taste, aroma and healing effect. In the ancient times of the Song Dynasty (from 960 to 1279), this type of tea was discovered; later, descriptions of plant cultivation are found in ancient books of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The product was supplied only to the imperial family, but smugglers managed to supply Silver Needles tea to European connoisseurs. What explains the elitism of this product?
Grown in the northern highlands of Fujian, the tea is harvested in April, when spring awakens the green leaves. Fragile, almost transparent buds and young leaves, which are covered with silvery hair, are carefully plucked from the bushes early in the morning and subjected to slight fermentation or oxidation. Only intact raw materials retain their unique smell and exquisite appearance, for which the elite variety of tea is famous.
White tea - benefits and harm
At first, gourmets paid tribute to the excellent aroma and taste of the drink, then researchers decided to find out the benefits and harms of white tea. Since raw materials reach the consumer after minimal processing, the maximum amount of useful substances is retained in the tender buds and leaves. Tea has antibacterial properties, so it is especially recommended for consumption during the spread of viral diseases.
Regarding contraindications to the use of the product, there are very few of them:
- kidney disease (due to the diuretic properties of tea);
- pregnancy, breastfeeding;
- ulcer, gastritis;
- hypertension, diabetes;
- insomnia, since tea has a tonic effect.
Properties of white tea
This drink is recognized as an elixir of youth, capable of giving energy. It is worth mentioning in more detail about the properties of white tea: the Silver Needles variety is considered the most useful in comparison with others due to the fact that it contains record amounts of vitamins (groups B, C, PP), amino acids, microelements, including fluorine. At the same time, there is less caffeine in the plant than in other varieties.
The level of antioxidants in this variety is significantly higher than in the green variety. By regularly consuming the product, we protect the body from the development of diseases. of cardio-vascular system, oncology. Researchers claim that the drink actively fights free radicals, preventing tissue aging and disruption of metabolic processes in the body. The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of Silver Needles are noted.
It is also important that the drink gives a good mood, helps fight chronic fatigue syndrome, and effectively quenches thirst. This is due to the presence essential oils that have a beneficial effect on the human body. By activating metabolic processes, tea helps fight overweight, cleanses the body of toxic substances, so it is used in case of poisoning.
The benefits of white tea for women
Silver Needles are included in preparations for weight loss, skin care and youth preservation. If we talk about the benefits of white tea for women, then we need to remember high level antioxidants in the plant, which helps fight aging of the body. By actively influencing metabolic processes, tea helps to lose weight. excess weight, perfectly relieves irritability and calms.
Cosmetologists have found that tea actively fights aging, so its extract is used in the manufacture of anti-aging cosmetics. The mask is applied to the face and décolleté, left on for a quarter of an hour, and washed off. warm water. The skin will become lighter, smoother, and more elastic. It’s easy to prepare an excellent face mask at home; it includes:
- sour cream – 1 tbsp. l.;
- tea leaf – 1 tsp;
- lemon juice – 1 tsp.
How to brew white tea
It is recommended to learn how to brew white tea so as not to lose those valuable substances that were carefully preserved during collection, drying and very weak fermentation. Use high-quality water and special porcelain or glassware. This is the recommended process for brewing tea.
True connoisseurs consider white tea to be the most beautiful type of tea. The delicate aroma and magnificent taste of this drink conquer the hearts of gourmets all over the world.
Initially, white tea was only available to the Emperor of China and his family. This drink was considered the most expensive and refined in the entire Celestial Empire. The secrets of its production were kept in deep secrecy, and special requirements were placed on tea leaf collectors. White tea was considered a drink of youth and health. Even high-ranking persons could only dream of it as a sign of favor from the emperor.
What is "white tea"?
White tea is prepared from the most tender buds and young leaves. Not all tea bushes are suitable for white tea. Leaves and buds suitable for this drink appear only on bushes that grow at high altitudes above sea level, in special weather conditions.
Collect buds and one or two (no more) young leaves only in clear weather. For elite varieties of white tea, only those leaves that are collected within two morning hours over the course of just two days in early spring and early autumn are suitable.
These ingredients are minimally processed: steamed for a minute and then naturally dried in the sun. Thanks to this, the beneficial properties of white tea are truly amazing.
By the way, white tea is called white because the collection and processing process does not damage the white fibers that cover the buds and leaves. In China these fibers are called "Bai Hao".
Real white tea is produced only in China (Fujian Province). It is also supplied from Sri Lanka, but opinions about the quality of this tea differ. This tea is certainly good and created in accordance with traditional methods, but not all white tea connoisseurs are ready to put Sri Lankan tea on the same level as Chinese tea.
Properties of white tea
Minimal processing makes white tea truly healthy drink. It preserves valuable substances that are destroyed during prolonged heat treatment, which other types of tea are subjected to.
White tea contains many essential oils that are beneficial to human health, making it perfectly refreshing and quenches thirst.
This type of tea intensively fights free radicals, which contribute to the aging of tissues of the human body and disruption of metabolic processes in the body.
White tea contains a small amount of caffeine, which is why this tea has such a delicate taste and aroma.
White tea also surprisingly improves your mood. It is even recommended as a natural antidepressant.
Benefits of white tea
Thanks to its beneficial properties, white tea actively fights the aging process of the body. Its extracts are used as an active component of anti-aging creams and masks for the face and body.
White tea improves the condition of facial skin, making it more elastic and smooth.
This tea helps strengthen the immune system and has a tonic effect on the body.
Those who want to lose weight also note the beneficial properties of white tea: this drink activates metabolic processes in the body, and this, in turn, leads to the burning of internal fat.
White tea intensively removes toxins and waste from the body (including after alcohol, nicotine or food poisoning).
Drinking white tea reduces the likelihood of tartar and caries.
White tea is used to prevent cancer.
Harm of white tea
White tea has virtually no contraindications. The only exception is if you have an intolerance to this product (allergy).
Otherwise, white tea is a safe, healthy and tasty drink.
When is it especially important to drink white tea?
- During the spread of viral diseases.
- During festive events accompanied by feasts with strong drinks.
- In situations of chronic fatigue and constant stress.
- It is useful for those who want to improve their appearance: Lose extra pounds and improve skin condition.
- With risks of cancer.
- When consumed large quantity sugar and lactic acid, which are harmful to teeth.
White tea varieties
The most expensive variety is considered “Bai Hao Yin Zhen”, which is translated from Chinese as “silver needles with white hairs”. In Russia, this variety is often called simply "silver needles".
Premium varieties of white tea include "Bai Mu Dan". It means "white peony". It is recommended for those who are not a true gourmet, but are able to appreciate truly high-quality gourmet tea.
A variety is made from leaves that are not whole "Show May"(in Russian the name sounds outlandish: “senile eyebrows”).
Tea is also considered medium quality tea. "Gong Mei"(another funny name: “gift eyebrows”).
Also, white tea varieties include "White Dragon Pearl" And "White Monkey".
Where can I buy; tea price
You can buy real white tea in specialized tea stores and tea culture clubs (which, unfortunately, are not found in every city).
Many online tea stores offer white tea.
It is worth remembering that real white tea is not packed in factory packaging, as it is very fragile. It is recommended to buy it in May-June: not much time has passed after harvesting - the tea still retains its freshness and aroma.
It is best to buy white tea abroad, in the countries where it is produced, or in states neighboring the exporters.
One of the most expensive varieties tea (not only white) is “Bai Hao Yin Zhen”. Its price can reach up to $2000 per kilogram.
Average price for 50 gr. white tea on Russian market hesitates from 90 to 414 rubles.
For true tea lovers, especially valuable are its white varieties, which are rightfully considered elite. After all, this tea has a lot of healing properties. No wonder the Chinese call it “the drink of immortality.” What is white tea, the benefits and harms of which have long been known in its homeland, China, you will learn from this article. First, let's figure out how this type of tea differs from others.
In China, this drink was considered imperial; only rich people could afford it. After all, it differs from other types of tea not only in taste, smell, properties and color, but also in the features of its collection and production. In addition, the product requires special storage and transportation conditions. All these factors ultimately determine its cost, which has long been considerable.
White tea is grown only in one province of China - Fujian. And its collection occurs only two days a year (one day in April, and another in September). At the same time, it is collected manually at a certain time - in the morning, strictly between 5 and 9 o'clock. True, today the product is grown in India, Vietnam, as well as Sri Lanka and some African countries, but white tea made in China is considered the most refined and therefore the most valuable.
Why does tea have this name? It is produced by harvesting tea buds, as well as the youngest leaves of the tea bush, which have a white coating, which determines the name of the product. More precisely, these are not even leaves, but arrows coming from the tea bud. They are called tips.
The most valuable tea is considered to be one made from one or two young, not yet blossomed, upper leaves of the tea bush. To make 1 kilogram of white elite tea, it is necessary to collect more than hundreds of thousands of tips. This is why the product has such a high price.
People involved in collecting the product should have sterile clean hands, and their breath should be fresh: free of spices and herbs, because these factors can affect the taste and aroma of the tea. Also, while preparing white tea, they are prohibited from using perfumes and cosmetics.
Unlike black and green tea, this type undergoes minimal heat treatment, as a result of which the maximum amount of beneficial substances is retained in the product. To do this, the tea leaves are first steamed for a minute and then sent for drying. Less valuable white teas may ferment slightly. All this is done by hand. IN ready-made tea There should be no damaged or darkened leaves, their color should remain greenish-gray, and their undersides should be light, grayish-white.
The most popular varieties of white tea in China today are considered to be the “white peony” variety, which in its dry form resembles small unopened flowers, as well as “silver needles” tea, which is recognized by doctors around the world as a natural antidepressant. The preparation and storage of such a product is special, so it is not accessible to everyone: the cost of 1 kilogram of such tea is about 1000 US dollars.
Less expensive varieties of white tea also have beneficial properties. As a rule, they are made from raw materials rejected during the production of elite tea and go on sale in already crushed form. However, this tea also has an exquisite taste and aroma.
White tea, benefits and harm
The benefits and harms of white tea defined by his rich biochemical composition, which includes antioxidants, phenolic compounds (tannin and catechin), caffeine, various vitamins, minerals and other healthy substances.
Basic healing properties white tea:
- due to the content of natural antioxidants, the product promotes the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, which has a positive effect on the condition of the cardiovascular system, and also prevents the development of cancer;
- the catechins it contains eliminate cholesterol, which minimizes the risk of diseases such as thrombosis;
- the presence of fluorides helps preserve tooth enamel, prevents the appearance of tartar and protects teeth from destruction;
- the combination of glutamic acid and phosphorus compounds has a positive effect on the condition nervous system, soothes and relieves chronic fatigue;
- the presence of caffeine gives the drink invigorating properties that last throughout the day;
- antibacterial and immune-strengthening properties, which are especially valuable during the period of a surge in colds;
- due to the presence of vitamin P, the drink promotes rapid blood clotting, as well as the healing of various wounds;
- white tea does an excellent job of quenching thirst;
- The epigallocatechins contained in the product do an excellent job of normalizing metabolism, which promotes rapid and effective weight loss.
Can there be any harm from drinking white tea? By taking this drink in moderation, you don't have to worry about negative consequences from taking it. But its use in large quantities, like any other product, can harm the body. First of all, this applies to women expecting a child, as well as nursing mothers. The theophylline and caffeine contained in white tea can overstimulate the nervous system of the fetus or baby, which can adversely affect the formation of their nervous system, as well as the functioning of the heart.
White tea is contraindicated in the following cases:
- the presence of peptic ulcers, as well as increased stomach acidity;
- acute stage of kidney disease and genitourinary system, as well as the presence of kidney stones;
- increased blood pressure;
- increased excitability of the nervous system and insomnia.
How to brew white tea correctly?
In order to get the maximum benefit and minimum harm to your health when drinking the drink, you need to know how to prepare white tea correctly. In this case, all factors that will help preserve all its healing properties should be taken into account. This is primarily the temperature and quality of the water used for brewing, the storage conditions of the product, as well as the material of the container in which the drink will be brewed.
Basic rules for brewing white tea:
- The water is brought to a boil and allowed to cool to 60-70 degrees. Under no circumstances brew tea with boiling water, which will not only destroy all its beneficial properties, but also worsen its taste and aroma. It is best to use soft water, as hard water will change the taste of the tea for the worse.
- Before brewing, a glass or ceramic teapot is rinsed with boiling water and two pinches of dry tea leaves are placed there for each cup. Do not use metal containers for brewing, this will distort the taste of the drink.
- The tea leaves are filled with water, leaving some space in the teapot.
- Infuse the drink for 3-5 minutes and pour into cups.
You can brew white tea three times. It is believed that it is during the second brewing that its exquisite taste and subtle aroma are revealed to the maximum. The infusion time for the drink when brewing again should be a couple of minutes.
The taste of white tea is self-sufficient, so it is drunk in pure form without adding sweeteners, milk or other additives. To fully enjoy the taste of the drink, you should not drink it with baked goods or other sweets.
White tea, the benefits and harms of which have long been studied by experts, will not only amaze you with its interesting taste and aroma, but if taken correctly it will give you vigor and good health for the whole day!
Black and green varieties of tea are ubiquitous and can be found, perhaps, in every home. But only true connoisseurs tried white aromatic drink. According to legend, its history began several centuries ago, when the famous tea master Long Yu, traveling around China, found a valley with tea trees, at the top of which there were several large white buds. Having brewed them, he was so delighted with the taste and aroma of the drink that the raw materials were immediately sent as a gift to the emperor and his family.
Fortunately, today anyone can try white tea. We will talk further about the benefits of drinking it for the body, whether the drink can cause harm to health and how to prepare it correctly.
Useful properties of the product
Elite varieties of white tea are made from buds and young leaves collected from tea bushes growing in the Fujian province of China. It is believed that raw materials are suitable for harvesting several days a year in spring and autumn, when certain temperature and weather conditions are met. Of course, such tea is very expensive and is practically not exported from the country.
The product sold in Russia most often belongs to small varieties (Gong Mei). They are much cheaper, but taste qualities and beneficial properties are not much inferior to the original. The fact is that any white tea undergoes minimal processing: this preserves most of the natural components and biologically active substances in its composition.
The drink has the following effects on the human body:
- normalizes metabolism;
- due to the content of antioxidants, it slows down the aging process and even prevents the development of cancer;
- calms and improves mood;
- strengthens the immune system;
- removes harmful substances from the body, therefore useful for overeating, alcohol or any other poisoning;
- helps improve the functioning of the pancreas and reduces blood sugar levels;
- cleanses the oral cavity, reduces the risk of developing caries and tartar;
- improves skin tone, smoothes out fine wrinkles.
Compared to black and green tea, white contains significantly less caffeine. Therefore, it can be used by those who usual drinks contraindicated (for example, for hypertensive patients).
Table: Chemical composition of white tea (per 100 g)
Video: The benefits of the Chinese drink
Contraindications and possible harm
The only contraindication to drinking white tea is individual intolerance, manifested by a rash, itchy skin, and indigestion after drinking the drink. In other cases, this species is safe, so you can safely include it in your diet.
For a healthy person who is not hypersensitive to caffeine, doctors recommend drinking up to 3-4 cups of lightly brewed white tea per day. You can do more if you feel good.
The beneficial properties of the drink will be preserved only if the raw materials are poured not with boiling water, but with water heated to 65–70 °C. With subsequent brewing, which can be 2-3, many varieties of white tea acquire an even more pleasant sweetish taste, so adding sugar, honey and other sweeteners is not advisable.
For various diseases
Pancreatitis
White tea is one of the few drinks that can be drunk for acute inflammation of the pancreas. In this case it should be:
- weakly brewed;
- without added sugar, honey, milk and other additional ingredients;
- completely natural, without dyes, fruit or herbal additives.
During treatment of the acute stage of the disease, you can drink up to 1.5–2 liters of this tea per day. For chronic inflammation of the pancreas, it is allowed to take up to 3-4 cups of the drink daily.
Cholecystitis
The drink can alleviate the condition during exacerbation of cholecystitis. It is recommended to drink up to 3 glasses of warm white tea without additives daily until symptoms of the disease disappear.
Gastritis
With exacerbation of peptic ulcer and gastritis with increased acidity It is recommended to limit white tea intake to 200–300 ml per day. During remission, when the main symptoms of the disease subside, you can drink a weakly brewed drink within normal limits.
Diabetes
For therapeutic nutrition at diabetes mellitus This low-calorie drink, rich in vitamins and biologically active substances, is perfect for types 1 and 2. It is recommended to take 1 cup of white tea 30–40 minutes after meals three times a day for at least six months.
Hypertension
White tea - amazing drink, which, when consumed regularly, cleans blood vessels, reduces the amount of bad cholesterol and even lowers blood pressure. Hypertensive patients are recommended to drink up to 3 cups of unsweetened white tea.
A prerequisite for such a disease is to limit consumption table salt up to 3 g per day.
When losing weight (on a diet)
If consumed quality drink, during the production of which the original recipe, warm, 200-300 ml half an hour before meals, it will noticeably reduce appetite and start metabolic processes in the body. By following this regimen, you can lose up to 2–3 kilograms per week.
During pregnancy
Because of low content caffeine and a large amount of useful substances, white teas are considered one of the most useful while expecting a child. Expectant mothers with a problem-free pregnancy can drink up to 2-3 cups of weakly brewed drink per day, preferably in the first half of the day. With increased uterine tone, threat of miscarriage and high blood pressure Before including white tea in your diet, be sure to consult your doctor.
When breastfeeding
You can also drink white tea while breastfeeding. But until the baby is one month old, you should give up the drink. When the baby grows a little, try drinking a mug of weakly brewed tea without additives or sweeteners, observing the baby’s reaction. If the baby began to sleep worse during the day, began to be capricious and irritated, perhaps this is due to increased sensitivity to caffeine, which, although in minimal doses, is contained in white tea. Then you will have to give up the aromatic drink at least until the child is six months old. If you haven’t noticed any unusual reaction from your baby, you can safely drink up to 750 ml (3 glasses) of white tea per day.
For children
Tea can be given to a child after he or she reaches the age of 2 years.
The drink in question is not the best alternative to breast milk: the alkaloid tannin provokes the destruction and accelerated excretion of iron and, as a result, the development of anemia. White tea, like other varieties, can be introduced no earlier than the child is two years old, when metabolic processes in the baby’s body are established. When trying to give a new product, follow these simple rules:
- Tea should be lightly brewed and served to the child warm, not hot.
- Let your baby drink it in the first half of the day, this will help avoid problems with night sleep.
- Try not to add sweeteners to the drink (sugar and especially honey, which is contraindicated for children under 3 years of age). They load the baby's pancreas.
- Recommended consumption of white tea for children is 300–400 ml. If the child has taken this amount of drink, do not offer him black on this day, green tea and especially coffee.
The nuances of brewing a drink
Selection of quality raw materials
You can often find white tea in bags on store shelves. Unfortunately, it has nothing to do with the real royal drink. The “correct” raw material should be leafy, uniform in size and free of various debris (twigs, sticks, damaged tea leaves and dust). The best varieties so fragile that they cannot withstand export. Therefore, elite white tea can only be tasted in China.
There are serious requirements for storing real white tea. The ideal place for it is a clay dish with a tight-fitting lid, but not a paper or plastic bag. Keep dried buds and leaves away from spices and other odorous products - as you know, raw materials quickly absorb extraneous odors, due to which its own aroma greatly suffers.
Good raw materials should be free of debris and impurities
Preparing white tea
Before we begin directly considering the preparation of the drink, it is necessary to dwell on two key points that affect the taste and aroma of white tea:
- Use only soft purified water for brewing, ideally spring water. Tap water will make the drink rough and “flat.”
- For a real tea ceremony, get clay dishes that will convey all the variety of tea tastes.
Ingredients:
- white tea (at the rate of 1 tsp per person + 1 tsp additionally for the teapot);
- purified water - according to the volume of the teapot.
Brewing algorithm:
- Boil water and pour over teapot boiling water
- Fill up required amount brew and pour raw materials hot water by a third.
- After 1–2 minutes, increase the volume of water, bringing its level to half the capacity.
- The brewing time for each variety is individual and, as a rule, indicated on the packaging. A sign that the drink is ready is the appearance of yellow foam, which must be mixed with the brew. When it appears, you can start drinking tea.
Lovers of strong brewed tea may not immediately appreciate the subtle, refined taste of the royal drink. To taste it, give up any additives and sweets: this is the only way it will reveal itself to its fullest.
It is best to use special earthenware for brewing and drinking tea.
The magic of white tea lies in the combination of impeccable taste and weight beneficial properties. The drink was used in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy for hundreds of diseases, today we can use this gift of nature to improve health and gain longevity.
