KINGSTON, United Kingdom—Drinking white tea delivers anti-aging potential and high levels of antioxidants that may reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis and age-related wrinkles, according to new research from the Kingston University.
Researchers from Kingston University and Neal’s Yard Remedies tested health properties of 21 plant and herb extracts. Findings showed white tea prevented the activities of the enzymes that breakdown elastin and collagen, which can lead to wrinkles. These enzymes, along with oxidants, are associated with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
“These enzymes and oxidants are key components of normal body processes. However, in inflammatory conditions, suppressing the activities of these 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,” the researchers wrote.
Eight of the other plants and herbs analyzed also helped protect against the breakdown of both elastin and collagen. After white tea, bladderwrack performed well followed by extracts of cleavers, rose, green tea, angelica, anise and pomegranate.