With a history spanning thousands of years, the natural plant—tea—has long been favored by major cosmetic brands and extracted as a classic ingredient in skincare products. Among the six major tea types, white tea is hailed as the "anti-aging champion." The secret to staying young by drinking white tea lies primarily in its high content of "flavonoids"...
White tea has the highest flavonoid content
Flavonoids and their oxidation products influence the color and taste of white tea's liquor and significantly impact its antioxidant capacity. When comparing the six major tea types produced from the same raw material, the flavonoid content follows this descending order: white tea, oolong tea, black tea, green tea, yellow tea, and dark tea.
Clearly, the three types of tea processed using withering techniques contain higher flavonoid levels than those processed using fixation. Among them, white tea has the highest flavonoid content—17.2 times that of fresh leaves—likely due to the hydrolysis of flavonoid glycosides during prolonged withering.
The miraculous effects of flavonoids
Flavonoids offer multiple benefits. They are potent antioxidants that effectively eliminate oxygen free radicals in the body. For example, anthocyanins can inhibit lipid peroxidation at all stages, with an antioxidant capacity more than ten times that of vitamin E. This antioxidative effect helps prevent cellular degeneration, aging, and even cancer.
Flavonoids effectively suppress free radicals—the primary cause of skin aging—enhancing detoxification and immune functions. Combined with their natural radiation-blocking properties, they create a protective barrier against pollution, delaying skin aging.
Flavonoids also improve blood circulation
Flavonoids enhance blood circulation and lower cholesterol. For instance, the flavonoids in bitter melon seeds contain a PAF anticoagulant factor, significantly reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and alleviating related symptoms.
Certain flavonoid compounds, such as anthocyanins, have been shown in animal studies to reduce blood sugar levels by 26% and triglycerides by 39%. Beyond their remarkable hypoglycemic effects, they stabilize collagen, making them particularly beneficial for diabetes-related retinopathy and capillary fragility.
Flavonoids promote wound healing and pain relief
Flavonoids inhibit the secretion of inflammatory enzymes, aiding wound healing and pain relief. Quercetin, due to its strong antihistamine properties, can be used to treat various allergies.
Encountering white tea by chance reveals its astonishing secrets, serving as a key to unlocking a healthier life. Since fate has brought us together with white tea, why not continue writing our story with it...