A 2009 Kingston University study showed that white tea had high anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-collagenase, and anti-elastase properties which could potentially reduce the risks of developing rheumatoid arthritis, some cancers, heart disease &
slow the enzymatic break down of elastin and collagen (ie wrinkles or sagging) which accompany aging.
White tea compared to green tea
A study at Pace University in 2004 showed white tea had more anti-viral and anti-bacterial qualities than green tea.White tea contains similar concentrations of catechins to green tea, although the concentration of specific oxidation products differs slightly due to its lack of processing. Furthermore, one study examining the composition of brewed green and white teas found that white tea contained more gallic acid and theobromine.
As white tea is made out of young leaves and buds, it has more of amino acid theanine (has relaxing and mood enhancing properties) than green and black teas which are made from older leaves.
Caffeine content of green and white teas are similar, though both depend on factors such as the variety of tea, the cut and length of the leaf, and the method of steeping.
White tea is thought to contain less fluoride than green tea, since it is made from young leaves only, but both white and green teas use young leaves, and bai mu dan white tea uses the more mature leaves as well.
Adapted from the Wikipedia article White tea, under the G. N. U. Free Documentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki
