New research at the School of Life Sciences at Kingston University in South West London indicate that white tea reduces the risk of inflammation in those with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis(RA).  The study was conducted at the Kingston University in conjunction with Neal’s Yard Remedies to test the health benefits of 21 herb extracts and plants.

White tea is made from the same plant that produces both black and green tea.  Because white tea comes from the buds and young leaves of the plant it is believed that they contain higher levels of antioxidants than the black and green variety which is made from older plant leaves.

The findings published in the August issue of Complementary and Alternative Medicine state that white tea prevented the activity of certain enzymes that are associated with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Professor Naughton from Kingston University stated: “These enzymes and oxidants are key components of normal body processes. However, in inflammatory conditions, suppressing the activities of the excess components has been the subject of decades of research”. “We were surprised to find such high activity for the white tea extracts in all five tests that were conducted.’ added Naughton. “The early indicators are that white tea reduces the risk of inflammation which is characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis and some cancers, as well as wrinkles.”

The researchers also added that they used a very small amount of white tea in their tests-”…far less than you would find in a drink”. Other natural remedies tested in this study were green tea, anise and pomegranate. All were shown to decrease inflammation however not as significantly as the white tea.