Content
- 1 What is this tea
- 2 Types and varieties of white tea
- 3 Composition and calorie content of white tea
- 4 Why is white tea useful for the body?
- 5 Can pregnant women drink white tea?
- 6 How to brew white tea properly
- 7 Norms and recommendations for the use of white tea
- 8 Features of use for some diseases
- 9 The benefits and uses of white tea for facial skin
- 10 Harm of white tea and contraindications
- 11 How to choose and store white tea
- 12 Conclusion
White tea rightfully enjoys special respect among connoisseurs of this drink. The medicinal properties and benefits of this drink have made this type of tea popular. But it is difficult to find quality tea with such beneficial properties. The subtleties of tea leaf collection, processing, storage are not always observed at the proper level, and even one mistake in this delicate matter can kill the taste of the drink and spoil its useful properties. The benefits and harms of white tea, how to choose the right one, store it, as well as other nuances of this issue will be discussed further.
What is this tea
This type of tea is made exclusively from the buds and young leaves of the tea bush, which explains its beneficial properties. Moreover, not all tea bushes are suitable for this purpose. Only bushes that grow at high altitudes, under special climatic conditions, are suitable for collecting buds and young leaves in an elite variety and will bring the very benefit. Then the beneficial properties will be complete, otherwise harm may be obtained.
Collecting buds, leaves (no more than 1-2) is carried out exclusively in clear weather conditions. The elite varieties of tea contain exclusively young leaves collected during the first two hours of the morning, during two days of early spring or early autumn. It is when these conditions are met that the elite variety acquires those very useful properties.
The collected ingredients are processed minimally: 1 minute with steam, and then only natural drying under the sun. This approach gives the drink the very benefits that made it famous throughout the world, as well as the ability to neutralize harm from a harmful environment.
The Chinese call these villi "Bao Hao".
Types and varieties of white tea
There are 10 varieties of white tea, among them 4 main varieties:
- Bai Mu Dan, for the preparation of this variety, the buds of tea bushes and 2 upper leaves are used, while it is important that they are the same size. The tree from which the harvest takes place is called Da Bai Cha. Leaves are picked only from the first harvest. In this case, only the youngest, unblown leaves are used. The method of making this type of tea is very complicated, and it is passed on from father to son. The beneficial properties of tea leaves are amazing, especially its ability to neutralize harm from various diseases and free radicals.
- "Silver Games" or Bai Hao Yin Zhen - a very popular rare variety. The composition contains exclusively kidneys, covered with silvery villi. It is the pile that resembles needles that explains this unusual variety name.
- "Elder's Eyebrows" or Show Mei - tea from buds or leaves from the top of the bushes.The difference with Bai Mu Dan lies in the timing of harvest, this variety is harvested a little later, has a more intense shade.
- "Eyebrow Offering" or Gong Mei it has a special processing technology. Taste qualities have a characteristic richness, and the leaves are more voluminous. Connoisseurs of tea drinks are advised to drink this one separately from meals, so as not to spoil its special taste.
Composition and calorie content of white tea
The raw materials that are used to make white tea and the processing methods make it possible to preserve all of its beneficial properties.
The chemical composition includes:
- group B vitamins, K, C, D;
- amino acids;
- tannin;
- essential oils;
- potassium, calcium, magnesium and many other beneficial elements.
The calorie content of white tea is very low, about 3-4 kcal per 100 g of drink.
Why is white tea useful for the body?
This tea is used as a substitute for medicines for physical and psychological ailments. The ancient Chinese believed that this broth had special properties that other remedies did not have.
In those days, only the Emperor personally had the right to consume such a drink. And the Chinese sages called tea a “healing elixir”. Since tea is processed only with steam, it retains all the beneficial properties:
- White tea contains vitamins, antioxidants and substances essential for the human body.
- The drink contains beneficial substances that prevent harm from cancer cells.
- In addition, the healing tea infusion will have a relaxing effect on the human body. It is recommended to combat depression, fatigue, sleep problems.
- The benefits of white tea for pregnant women are also very great, the drink is rich in substances with beneficial properties for the fetus, which are contained only in it.
- Regular intake of white tea will strengthen the body, supply the human body with all the required vitamins and bring health benefits.
- White teas are often recommended as an alternative to medicines. It will help the body fight colds and even more serious illnesses.
- White tea for weight loss will be beneficial when combined with diet and exercise. Thanks to the beneficial properties of the drink, the weight will go away much faster.
- Tea will be beneficial in matters of rejuvenation, improving the appearance of the skin.
- Useful properties of white tea will help to strengthen the enamel and roots of teeth, will prevent harm from caries.
- Regular consumption of white tea will benefit the body, thanks to its beneficial properties it helps to normalize pressure and heart activity.
- Tea will benefit from preventing blood clots and lowering cholesterol levels, which are harmful to the body.
- Contributes to the beneficial properties of white tea to improve vision and hearing.
Can pregnant women drink white tea?
During pregnancy, a woman's body requires a large amount of micro and macro elements, vitamins, antioxidants. All of these ingredients are found in white tea. That is why the inclusion of this drink in the diet of a pregnant woman will be of great benefit.
How to brew white tea properly
When brewing white tea, it is important to proceed with care and attention. An overly strong drink should not be prepared.
To brew white tea, you need clean filtered water, which is brought to a boil, left to cool for a while for maximum benefit, not harm. If the water was previously boiled, then it cannot be used for brewing, this will deprive the tea broth of its benefits. Water is poured into a preheated porcelain or glass teapot.
1 serving of tea requires 2 tablespoons of tea leaves. The brewing period depends on the variety of the tea. Typically, the average period is 5 minutes. Such tea should not be brewed more than 3-4 times. If all brewing standards are observed, a complete list of beneficial properties will be obtained from the drink, and not harm.
Norms and recommendations for the use of white tea
If a person is healthy, does not have an increased sensitivity to caffeine, then doctors advise drinking 3-4 cups of white tea a day. More is allowed, provided you feel well.
Features of use for some diseases
This type of tea is not only a tasty, aromatic drink. It has a list of beneficial properties that can reduce harm with the progression of many diseases.
With pancreatitis
The drink will bring tangible benefits to persons suffering from pancreatitis. However, you should follow these rules:
- Tea should not be made overly strong.
- It is not recommended to add sugar, honey, milk, etc.
- White tea should be free from dyes, herbs and other additives.
During the treatment of acute inflammation of the pancreas, you can drink up to 2 liters of tea per day. In the case of chronic inflammation, it is allowed to take up to 3-4 cups a day.
With gastritis
In case of exacerbation of peptic ulcer or gastritis, it is better to limit the amount of white tea to 200-300 ml per day. During the period of remission and subsiding of symptoms, you can use a weakly brewed drink in the usual amount.
With cholecystitis
The benefits of white tea are useful in exacerbating cholecystitis. It is necessary to consume up to 3 glasses of warm tea every day until the symptoms of the disease are completely eliminated.
With increased pressure
White tea is a drink that is especially suitable for hypertensive patients with its beneficial properties. It is able to cleanse blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels, which is very harmful. People with high blood pressure need to drink up to 3 cups of white tea without additives.
With diabetes mellitus
In this type 1 and 2 disease, white tea will also be beneficial. The drink is low in calories and rich in vitamins and nutrients with beneficial properties. For maximum harm reduction, you must drink 1 cup of white tea 30-40 minutes after meals, 3 times a day, for at least six months.
The benefits and uses of white tea for facial skin
White tea is included in various brands of cosmetics. It is also used in shower gels, creams, masks and tonics.
You can make a face mask using white tea on your own at home. The results of such care will be noticeable after several procedures.
- To lighten the skin of the face, as well as remove age spots and even out the color, you will need such a face mask with white tea: the juice of 1 lemon is mixed with 25 g of sour cream and tea leaves. Apply the mixture to the face for 15 minutes.
- To moisturize the skin in the hot season - white tea ice. To do this, pour 2 tablespoons of tea leaves with a glass of hot water. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Then strain and leave to cool. Pour into ice molds and send to freeze. Rubbing the skin of the face with cosmetic ice will give it freshness and moisturize the skin.
Harm of white tea and contraindications
For a healthy person, this drink will not be able to harm, with the exception of individual intolerance.
For the following conditions, drinking white tea should be limited to one cup a day:
- stomach ulcer;
- gastritis;
- pancreatitis;
- cholecystitis;
- high blood pressure;
- insomnia.
How to choose and store white tea
Of course, it is best to buy Chinese white tea, its benefits will be maximum, since it is very problematic to find really high-quality tea in our country. The fact is that this elite grade of tea is very fragile and suffers greatly during transportation.
You should not buy large quantities of white tea right away, as its shelf life is very short. The best option is to store the leaves in a ceramic jar with a tight lid.
Conclusion
The benefits and harms of white tea are obvious. The drink will be beneficial for many diseases. The beneficial substances in it are even able to neutralize harm from external influences. The main thing is to buy tea in trusted shops, not to store it for a very long time.