White Tea is obtained form the plant Camellia sinensis. It is made from new growth buds and young leaves of the plant. But the leaves are picked and harvested before the leaves open fully, when the buds are still covered by fine white hair; hence the name. White Tea is scarcer than the other traditional teas, and quite a bit more expensive. The Chinese have enjoyed White Tea for over a thousand years, but only recently has the rest of the world become aware of this secret brew. It is the least processed form of tea, made of beautiful silver buds and select leaves which have been steamed and dried. Because of its minimal processing, White Tea contains more nutrients than its Black or Green Teas. It is loaded with these protective nutrients.White Tea is similar to green tea, but undergone very little processing and no fermentation. Most Green Teas have a distinctive 'grassy' taste to them, but White Tea does not. The flavour is described as light, and sweet. It is the most minimally processed of all tea varieties, thus reducing oxidation.
A research conducted at Linus Pauling Institute in Oregon, USA, has shown that White Tea is able to prevent mutations of DNA two to five times more efficiently than Green or Black teas, thus theoretically giving it greater potential in preventing cancer. White Tea may have profound power against cancer-causing cells and against many different types of cancer, such as colon, prostate, and stomach cancers. Flavonoids, a class of antioxidants, inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent the development of new ones. It has also found that White Tea can improve artery function, help lower high blood pressure and maintain a good health. By promoting strong and healthy blood vessels, White Tea guards against the ravages of stroke. By thinning the blood, lowering blood pressure, and reducing cholesterol, White Tea protects the heart and the entire circulatory system. White tea is also a natural killer of bacteria and viruses. The antioxidants so abundant in White Tea tone the entire immune system, providing protection against a variety of invaders and a wide range of diseases. Its helps guard against the common cold and flu, and can ease the symptoms of HIV.
References:
http://coffeetea.about.com/od/typesoftea/a/whitetea.htm
http://www.whiteteaguide.com/whiteteahealthbenefits.htm
http://www.jcm.co.uk/catalogue.php?catID=270&opener=0-197-270&fe=00c02bb151d0f62c1c6caf80a22c3afc
