White, black or green… which tea for what?

All teas come from a single tree, the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) grown in mountainous areas of different Asian countries. “Its leaves are rich in polyphenol antioxidants, especially the buds and young shoots,” says Dr. Marvin Edeas, President of the French Society of Antioxidants. This is the time when the leaves are picked and the way they are processed determines the taste of tea and its effects on our well-being.

White supports the immune system

To produce this precious nectar, only the buds which are still closed are harvested. They are allowed to wither and dry in the open air to get rid of any moisture. This delicate production subject to the weather, explains the high price of white tea. It is especially concentrated in polyphenols including flavonols well as catechins. They have a strong antibacterial and antiviral properties – higher than green tea – which can fight especially against salmonella.

Green slows down ageing

Green tea is obtained from the leaves which are steamed immediately after harvesting. It contains polyphenols – including EGCG (epigallocatechin-gallate) – and also vitamin B, beta-carotene, amino acids and potassium. An ideal mixture to protect our body from oxidative stress and prevent the cells ageing.

Black lowers the pressure

This is the result of the fermentation and drying of the leaves. An operation which gives pronounced aromas but destroys much of antioxidants and vitamin C in the tea leaves. However, semi-fermented and black teas are beneficial to the cardiovascular system. An Australian study published in 2012 showed that drinking three cups of black tea daily for 6 months reduces blood pressure, which increases with stress.

Tea time

It is better to ditch the traditional milk tea that weakens the power of antioxidants found in the leaves. It is also preferable to drink tea between meals, because it reduces the absorption of iron from food if consumed directly afterwards.

For smooth skin

With assets of the same family as caffeine, green tea has a diuretic effect that helps to “deflate”. It also boosts lipolysis which accelerates fat burning and removes cellulite. It is therefore found in many cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulas of anti-cellulite oils and creams.

Isabelle SOING