Tea has been touted for its many health benefits for centuries, including weight loss. Although its existence is certainly not new, awareness has begun to increase regarding the heightened benefits of white tea leaves. Ongoing studies suggest this tea may be the superior choice for day-to-day use.
Most nutritionists will agree: the less processing, the greater nutritional benefits of most any food. Of all the pure tea products currently offered on the market, white tea is the least processed, thus retaining more of its nutrients. It also contains less caffeine. The result? A better balance of nutrition and sustained energy.
Where Does White Tea Come From?
Healthy tea, either green or white, are both harvested from the same plant. White tea leaves are harvested at an earlier stage of growth, then steamed and dried quickly, enabling greater retention of nutritive qualities. The tea is named for the coating of fine silver fibers found on the young leaves and buds. This tea is harvested primarily in China along with a few other Asian countries.
Benefits Of White Tea Leaves
All tea leaves contain several naturally-occurring nutrients believed to boost metabolism and aid in meeting weight loss goals. Dietitians and nutritionists agree that white tea leaves can be beneficial for whole-body health as well as weight goals.
Catechins:
Among the different tea varieties, white tea leaves contain a high concentration of catechins, flavonoids believed to help improve memory function, especially if ingested consistently over time. Catechins are also believed to help fight heart disease. The longer you steep your tea, the more healthful catechins are released. For maximum benefit, dietitians suggest drinking three cups per day.
Catechins also help increase metabolism and provide anti-depressive qualities. When consumed daily, tea can help prevent cognitive dysfunction. This tea’s smooth, almost sweet taste makes it palatable without added sugar or milk, meaning fewer empty calories. Also, it provides more energy to keep you active longer and your body fighting the production of new fat cells.
Amino Acids And Caffeine:
Included in white tea benefits is the presence of the amino acid L-Theanine, which relaxes without adverse drowsiness. L-Theanine, combined with the lower amount of caffeine in white tea leaves, helps to reduce mental fatigue and increase general alertness and attention.
While green tea also contains these same components, white tea benefits from the early harvest and quick processing time by having a better balance between energy and stress relief. Taken together, these ingredients can help make your body a fat-fighting machine while regulating blood pressure and even assisting in the prevention of cancer.
Antioxidants:
Antioxidants boost the immune system. They also battle the effects of aging. A proper balance of these strong nutrients is known to boost cardiovascular health and increase energy levels. White tea leaves are an excellent source of these key health requirements.
The antioxidants in tea may also help to reduce bad cholesterol and even help fight against harmful bacteria in your mouth, reducing tooth decay which affects your general health. So you can both look better and feel better able to face each day with confidence and renewed vigor.
Assists With Weight Loss:
When added to a healthy diet and exercise, tea helps to restrict fat formation and absorption. If you drink it daily, it stimulates metabolism and helps to curb hunger pangs. The antioxidant EGCG found in tea is attributed to many of these weight loss benefits.
Of course, tea alone cannot meet your weight loss goals. But with an increase in metabolism and alertness, you will be more motivated to include those fat-burning workouts into your busy schedule. With fewer hunger pangs, it will be easier to resist tempting sweets and snacks.
Final Thoughts
Adding tea to your daily routine can certainly benefit you in many ways, both now and into the future. Combined with a positive outlook and creative, nutritional meals, you can be on the road to your own mental and physical well-being. Many easy steps will move you ever closer to your weight-loss goal. You can take one step just by drinking white tea on a daily basis.
You may also find it beneficial to write out your long-term goals, outlining small steps that will add up to big success. Near the top of the list, place be a relaxing cup of tea with your meals or as a high-metabolic start to your day.
Since tea contains caffeine, it is not recommended you drink it too close to bedtime. However, the benefits will continue to act by reducing the production of new fat cells while burning off those unwanted fat deposits. Taking such simple steps will keep you checking off goals and creating your own weight-loss success story.
