There has been a great deal of debate about white tea vs green tea, and while both are undeniably good for you, there are some differences between the two that stand out.
White Tea vs Green Tea
Origin
- Family: Both white tea and green tea come from the same plant, that is Camellia sinensis. This is one of the connecting factors between these two tea varieties
- Harvesting: White tea leaves are harvested much before the green tea leaves and are only hand-picked during the short period of spring. This is also the reason why white tea is more expensive than the green tea variety. Green tea is minimally processed, but it does experience some oxidation, unlike the young buds used in the preparation of white tea. [1] [2]
- Brewing: White tea is specifically brewed from very young leaves and buds as compared to the green tea, making them one of the rarest tea leaves. [3]
Green tea vs White tea. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Taste
- White tea has a sweeter and milder flavor. [4]
- Green tea has a stronger and bitter taste.
Nutrient Composition
- Antioxidants: White tea and green tea, both, contain the same type of antioxidants and phytonutrients, but in different quantities. White tea is believed to have slightly higher levels of polyphenols than green tea. While green tea has a very high level of epigallocatechin gallate and other antioxidants. [5] [6]
- Caffeine: White tea is low in caffeine with just 10-15 mg per cup, whereas a single cup of green tea has 20 mg of caffeine.
- Fluoride: White tea also contains fluoride which is beneficial for gum health. [7]
Benefits
Let us look at their benefits in detail below.
White Tea
- White tea offers a hoard of benefits including cancer protection by preventing DNA damage. [8]
- It is known to be effective in helping to prevent lung and colon cancer, although research is still ongoing. [9] [10]
- The high antioxidant content of white tea helps fight free radicals and prevent premature aging.
- The anti-elastase property of this tea slows the breakdown of collagen and thereby promotes youthful and healthy skin.
Green Tea
- Green tea promotes weight loss by initiating a fat-burning process called thermogenesis.
- It helps regulate cholesterol levels, thereby lowering the risk of atherosclerosis and other heart diseases.
- Green tea may aid in lowering your risk of breast, lung, esophageal, bladder, prostate, colorectal, and stomach cancer. [11] [12] [13] [14]
- It may aid in promoting dental health and reducing inflammation in the body.
Which is Healthier?
Having discussed the health benefits of both white tea vs green tea, there is no clear winner here.
Other than the above-mentioned health benefits, both these tea varieties are also known to protect you from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. While there are slightly fewer polyphenols in green tea, it is a very healthy beverage. Due to its availability and price point, green tea will likely remain more popular than white tea in the foreseeable future. [15]
Word of Caution: Always consult your doctor before adding any of the two tea varieties to your daily diet as they may interfere with other medications. Moderation is also advised while consuming any of the two tea types, especially if you’re breastfeeding or pregnant.
