Both teas boast abundant antioxidants, which combat aging, cancer, and more. Dietitian Swati Bathwal provides insights on which might suit you best.

In recent times, a plethora of tea varieties have emerged worldwide, each touting its unique array of health benefits. Yet, debates persist over which tea offers the utmost health advantages and which tea is best suited for specific situations or ailments.
To delve into a comparison between two renowned healthy teas, white tea and green tea, the Healthonlyforyou team interviewed Swati Bathwal, a Dietician, Nutritionist, and Diabetes Educator, to unravel which tea reigns supreme in terms of healthiness: green tea or white tea.
Health Benefits of White Tea
Here are some of the potential health benefits of white tea, as discovered by research published in the World Journal of Plastic Surgery:
1. Antioxidant Properties: White tea contains antioxidants, such as catechins, which play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals in the body. By doing so, they help protect against oxidative stress, which is known to contribute to aging and various diseases.
2. Heart Health: White tea may positively impact heart health by enhancing cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease. The antioxidants present in white tea may alleviate inflammation and enhance the function of blood vessels, thereby promoting cardiovascular well-being.
3. Skin Health: The antioxidants found in white tea may also support skin health by shielding against UV damage and diminishing the likelihood of premature aging. This protective effect contributes to healthier and more youthful-looking skin.
4. Enhanced Immune System: White tea’s antioxidants may aid in fortifying the immune system, offering protection against common illnesses like colds and flu. This immune-boosting property can help maintain overall health and resilience to infections.
5. Cancer Prevention: White tea’s antioxidant content suggests potential anticancer properties, which could play a role in preventing the development of certain types of cancer. However, further research is required to fully elucidate this relationship, as current evidence remains inconclusive.
These findings highlight the potential health benefits of white tea, making it a valuable addition to a balanced and health-conscious lifestyle.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea is renowned for its numerous health benefits, many of which are attributed to its high concentration of antioxidants and other bioactive compounds. Here are some potential health benefits of green tea, as revealed by a Japanese study published in the journal Chinese Medicine:
1. Antioxidant Properties: Green tea contains a wealth of polyphenols, particularly catechins, which possess powerful antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help combat free radicals in the body, mitigating oxidative stress and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
2. Heart Health: Green tea may contribute to heart health by improving cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, and enhancing the function of blood vessels. These effects collectively reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
3. Weight Management: Green tea has been shown to enhance metabolism and increase fat oxidation, aiding in weight loss or weight maintenance when coupled with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
4. Brain Health: The presence of caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine in green tea can enhance mood, cognitive function, and alertness. Additionally, green tea promotes relaxation and reduces stress and anxiety levels.
5. Improved Blood Sugar Control: Green tea may assist in regulating blood sugar levels and enhancing insulin sensitivity, which is beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.
6. Cancer Prevention: Consumption of green tea has been linked to a decreased risk of various cancers, including breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer.
7. Liver Health: Regular consumption of green tea has been associated with a reduced risk of liver diseases, such as fatty liver disease and liver cancer.
These findings underscore the potential health-promoting effects of green tea, making it a valuable addition to a balanced and health-conscious lifestyle.
Green Tea vs White Tea
Overall, Bathwal suggests giving preference to green tea over white tea. However, for those who favor white tea, enhancing its health benefits beyond those of green tea is possible by adding lemon to it. According to Bathwal, the addition of lemon enables the release of white tea’s phytonutrients, as these compounds require a certain pH level to be activated.
Regarding cancer prevention, Bathwal noted that white tea surpasses green tea, despite both having cancer-preventive properties.
Bathwal concluded the comparison by offering best practices for consuming tea. She advised against steeping tea for more than a minute, adding milk to tea, and consuming unhealthy foods with tea. As with any dietary choice, incorporating white or green tea into a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle is essential.