by Linda Kelly

Created on: July 22, 2008   Last Updated: February 14, 2009

White tea has been a well kept secret in the east for centuries and is now soaring in popularity in the west. It has all the benefits of green tea, and more, yet has a lighter, sweeter taste, making it a good option for those who struggle with the sometimes bitter taste of its more famous, greener cousin.

While both white and green tea leaves are unfermented, unlike black tea, white tea leaves are picked from the bush just before the leaves are fully open. The name comes from the silvery white fine hair that surrounds the bud.

Taste-wise, white tea has a softer taste than other teas which in itself means less additional sweetening and therefore a boon for your health. There is no need to add the extra calories of sugar or honey, nor the chemicals contained in artificial sweeteners.

If you're looking to decrease your caffeine intake, white tea is the best tea to be drinking. On average, it contains 15 mg per serving, compared to 20 mg in green tea and 40 mg in black tea.

In addition, white tea is packed with antioxidants and the myriad of health benefits these bring. Antioxidants work by countering those pesky free radicals which if left to their own devices would wreak havoc with cell and tissue damage. The benefit for us is that the antioxidants can prevent cancer cells from forming and help slow down the ageing process.

White tea contains more catechins, a specific type of antioxidant which reduce risk of a stroke by lowering blood pressure and strengthening blood vessels and arteries. This also helps prevent heart failure.

Finally, white tea boosts the immune system, helps lower levels of bad cholesterol and reduces the risk of diabetes.

With all these benefits, there has to be a catch. Well, white tea is more expensive than other types as it can only be picked at certain times of the year, making it rarer than other teas. It may also not quite have arrived in your local supermarket yet, but there are many suppliers online with a choice of white tea variety. You can choose from wonderfully fragrant names such as White Peony, Silver Needle or Golden Moon.

It's best to buy loose leaf and it's easy to make. Simply brew a couple of teaspoons of leaves in a cup of very hot water, but not boiling, for three to five minutes. It's recommended to drink between two and four cups per day to get the most of the health benefits, and the leaves can be used more than once; simply brew them for slightly longer if you are re-using them.

The metabolism boosting benefits are open for debate, but by swapping a milky, sugary caffeine filled coffee for a cup of white tea, you are doing your body the world of good.

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