White tea with Pomegranate is a great combination and provides unique and powerful antioxidants for better health and wellness. White tea has a more delicate and has a milder taste than green tea. And with the natural sweetness and tangy flavor of pomegranate, this combination is a delightful drink if you’re looking for something different.

The first time I had tasted this tea was in a hotel in Oxford. It might’ve been the first time I had ever tasted pomegranate actually, and I’m glad that I tried it out! Before trying out this tea, I had always had my green tea infused with lemon, strawberry or ginger.

White tea isn’t nearly as popular as black and green tea, but pomegranate is a popular fruit here and most people have probably come across them before.

But for those who’ve never heard of white tea and pomegranate, let’s see what they’re all about.

What is White Tea?

White tea actually comes from the same plant as green and black tea (Camellia sinensis). It’s grown in some of the same areas of the world, mainly in China, Thailand, and other Asian countries.

The main difference with white tea is that it undergoes very little processing, and the leaves are harvested at the tip when they are very young. This is the reason why it has such a mild and delicate flavor.

For this reason, white tea is a suitable medium to add other flavors from fruits and herbs. The flavor of the tea is not overpowering any other ingredient and blends in very well.

For people who find green tea too bitter and strong, white tea is a great alternative and provides a lot of the same benefits as green tea because of its high polyphenol content.

Health benefits

White tea has not been studied as much as green tea, but since they share many of the same compounds, it’s expected that they share similar health benefits. In fact, some research suggests that white tea may have unique and more powerful benefits over green tea.

#1 Protects against cavities

Gum disease and tooth decay is a serious health problem and not just a cosmetic one. Gum disease is thought to be linked with heart disease, neurodegenerative disease, and possibly even cancer. The reasons are thought to be because of bacterial toxins and inflammation caused by the disease.

So then, how can white tea help prevent cavities and gum disease?

in a study published in 2016, researchers used a white tea mouthrinse to see if it has an effect on plaque development.

White tea was shown to be effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria which cause plaque build-up and tooth decay. However, the result was not as strong as a chlorhexidine mouthwash. Nevertheless, white tea could be a useful preventative alongside normal dental hygiene [1].

White tea and its antioxidants may also help prevent inflammatory and the destructive process of periodontal disease by blocking MMP enzymes and inhibiting bacterial growth.

#2 Protect against sun damage and skin wrinkling

The high level of polyphenols in tea known as catechins have been shown in studies to protect against the damaging effects of UV rays by inhibiting various enzymes which cause the breakdown of collagen in the skin.

With their powerful free radical scavenging effects and ability to dampen the immune system response to prevent inflammation and tissue destruction, as well as up-regulate DNA repair, white tea may help prevent the development of skin aging.

Studies have also been conducted showing that topical extracts of white tea (2%) is effective in treating photoaging and preventing wrinkle formation in the skin [2]. In humans, tea polyphenols have been linked to improved elastic content in skin [3].

And finally, in a study published in 2009, researchers looked at the effect of 21 plants on their anti-elastase and antioxidant activities. They found that white tea out of the 21 plants had the highest level of phenolic content and had significant anti-elastase and anti-collagenase activities.

Applied topically, white tea may also help treat hyperpigmentation due to it being a potent tyrosinase inhibitor.

#3 Reduces fat and boosts metabolism

People who are struggling to lose fat might benefit from drinking white tea due to its high concentration of polyphenols which is able to promote the breakdown of fat cells by increasing lipolysis-activity. And not only that, but it also may help prevent the formation of new fat cells!

White tea might, therefore, be a great way to boost metabolism and further help weight loss if you’re finding yourself stuck at your current weight and are still looking to shed a few more pounds of fat. [4]

#4 Protects against cancer

White tea also contains compounds which may cause cancer cells to self-destruct and die. The only good cancer cell is a dead cancer cell.

Although the study using white tea extract was done in a test tube, we know from multiple studies with green tea (a more popular beverage) that it has protective effects against cancer in humans.

The study showed that white tea was able to effectively prevent the colon cancer cells from spreading and at the same time it was able to protect healthy cells.

Tip: consider adding some fresh citrus fruit to your tea. Vitamin C can increase absorption and catechin levels in the gut.

#5 Protects against toxicity

White tea has been found to protect against various types of toxicity. In a recent study, to be published in June 2018, white tea was able to protect against benzo(a)pyrene-induced toxicity and liver dysfunction.

Studies have also shown that the compounds in white tea may protect against neurotoxicity.

#6 Improves cognition

Due to the polyphenols found in white tea, as well as l-theanine, white tea may be able to improve cognitive function and reducing the progression of cognitive progression in the elderly according to a pilot study.

Although the study used green tea, the same compounds are found (sometimes in higher amounts) in white tea than green tea, and therefore similar results should be observed with white tea. [5]

What is Pomegranate?

Pomegranates are considered berries and the fruit are tiny, measuring just 2-5 inches. It is certainly one type of fruit that is overlooked often and not as popular as it should be, especially given its numerous health benefits.

It is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants such as punicalagins, punicic acid, tannins, and anthocyanins. Together, these make the fruit what could be considered a superfood and one which has strong health-promoting effects if consumed regularly.

Some teas may contain more pomegranate than others, and therefore the concentration of these compounds will vary. However, you can also create your own and add as much as you like. 🙂

Health benefits

These are just a few of the known health benefits of pomegranates according to the latest research.

#1 Reduces inflammation

Inflammation is destructive when out of control, but pomegranate might be able to help. Research has shown that various parts of the fruit such as the peels, flowers, seeds and the juice have significant anti-inflammatory effects in the gut. [6]

In a study published in 2010 in the American Society of Nephrology, researchers found that pomegranate juice was able to significantly reduce inflammation, tissue destruction and complications such as infection in kidney disease patients.

The combination of pomegranate and white tea may be a powerful combination in preventing inflammation in the body.

#2 Improves heart health

Heart disease is one of the biggest killers in the world, but something which can often be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Well, add pomegranate to the list of beneficial fruits for heart-health.

Studies have shown that just a small amount of pomegranate a day can lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and decrease plaque build-up in your arteries.

#3 Skin benefits

Pomegranate has shown to improve the ability of the skin to heal and wounds to close up faster by improving the organization of collagen and reducing overproduction of inflammatory cells. Pomegranate juice has also been found to block UV-B damage and therefore reduce skin aging caused by the sun.

#4 Improves oral health

The combination of white tea and pomegranate could boost the oral health of those who consume it. Pomegranate has been shown to strongly inhibit C. Albicans and also bacterial growth which is responsible for plaque buildup in and tooth decay.

How to consume

White tea with pomegranate should be consumed on a regular basis to enjoy its health benefits.

Brew the tea without the addition of milk, because milk can bind to some of the beneficial compounds and reduce the health-promoting effects of the tea. And the tea without anything else added tastes much better.

Brew for about 2-3 minutes for the perfect tea!

Brands you should try out:

• Buckingham Palace white tea, Rose, and pomegranate tea bags
• Twinings Tea tea with Pomegranate
• Lipton White tea with blueberry and Pomegranate
• Check out teas to help you sleep and relax