By now, most of us have heard of the healthy and life-enhancing effects of green tea. The antioxidants in green tea, called polyphenols, neutralize the harmful free radicals that damage the cells of the body. In turn, this cell damage may lead to cancer and symptoms of aging. As more and more health-conscious people are becoming aware of the impressive statistics of green tea, it has become very popular.

However, green tea is not the ultimate in antioxidant refreshments. The next wave, which may be even more forceful, is the habit of drinking white tea. White tea and green tea come from the same plant, but white tea is not processed as much as green tea. Green tea is leaves from the tea bush that are withered in hot air, and then steamed or lightly panfried. Then, the leaves are gently rolled and heated.

White tea, on the other hand, is immature tea leaves that are plucked right before the buds open fully. They are still covered with a youthful silvery fuzz, which turns white when the tea is dried – hence the name. Then, the leaves and buds are gently steamed, and the white tea is ready to be packaged or consumed.

Because the leaves of the white tea are treated so gently, they end up in a state very similar to the natural one. That may be the reason why white tea contains more antioxidants than green tea. The leaves are young when they are plucked, and the polyphenols remain intact. Studies show that the antioxidant content of white tea is significantly higher than that of green tea.

According to several studies over many years, green and white tea have many beneficial effects, and these are some of them:

• Help prevent cancer. Studies show that drinking 2-5 cups of green tea every day will significantly reduce the risk of being diagnosed with cancer. Count 1-3 cups for white tea.

• Prevent formation of blood clots, reducing the risk of thrombosis

• Lower «bad» cholesterol (LDL) and improve the ratio of «good» cholesterol (HDL).

• Prevent and slow the aging of cells

• Help maintain a healthy fluid balance

• Stimulate the metabolism. This makes green and white tea powerful tools when trying to lose weight

• Prevent and lowers high blood pressure

• Strengthen the immune system and help fight off harmful bacteria and viruses.

As people have taken to drinking green tea for their health, often chosing tea instead of coffee, many have commented on the slightly «grassy» aftertaste of green tea. White tea tastes differently, and instead of the «green» taste, is feels sweeter and smoother on the palate. The appearance of a cup of correctly brewed white tea is pale and yellowish.

As with many good things, there is a catch. White tea is more expensive than green tea, and not all stores carry it. The most convenient way of getting hold of white tea is probably online stores.

How to brew white tea:

• Make sure you use fresh water, not water that has been sitting in the kettle.

• Don't use boiling water. Water that's too hot will dissolve the molecular bonds in the antioxidants, making the white tea less beneficial. Instead, bring the water to a boil, and then let it sit for one minute. By that time, it will have cooled to an ideal temperature.

• Because the white tea leaves are less dense than green tea, you should make sure you put more leaves in the cup. The best amount to put in depends on many factors, like the size of the cup and your own personal taste, but about two teaspoons per cup should be enough to get the benefits.

• Steep the tea for six to nine minutes, more if the packaging recommends it. This is particularly true for the more specialized and expensive varieties.

• Enjoy the delicious cup of white tea and know that you are helping your body in the best way.