Antioxidant Properties of Purple, Green, and White Tea
Tea is one of the most commonly consumed beverages worldwide. It comes in several varieties, primarily distinguished by their processing methods. The most well-known types are green, white, and purple teas, each offering unique flavours, colours, and health benefits.
Green Tea
Green tea originates from China and is now widely grown across Asia. It is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which are quickly heated—by pan-firing or steaming—and dried to prevent too much oxidation, which keeps the leaves green.
Antioxidant Properties: Green tea is rich in catechins, an antioxidant that helps fight cellular damage and has been associated with various health benefits.
Heart Health: Regular consumption of green tea has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, including lower cholesterol levels and improved blood vessel function.
Weight Management: Caffeine and catechins in green tea can help boost metabolism and fat burning, contributing to weight loss.
Brain Health: Moderate caffeine can enhance brain function, improving mood, vigilance, reaction time, and memory.
Historical Use:
Green tea has been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine to control bleeding, heal wounds, aid digestion, improve heart and mental health, and regulate body temperature.
White Tea
White tea is also derived from the Camellia sinensisplant and is primarily produced in China, particularly in the Fujian province. It is the least processed of all teas. The leaves are picked before they are fully open and are allowed to wither and dry naturally, often in sunlight.
High Antioxidant Content: White tea contains high levels of polyphenols, which act as antioxidants and can help reduce the risk of heart disease.
Cancer Prevention: The antioxidants in white tea may also reduce the risk of cancer by protecting the body against damage from free radicals.
Skin Health: The anti-inflammatory properties of white tea can help reduce the risk of skin disorders like eczema and dandruff.
Historical Use: Traditionally, white tea was consumed by the Chinese royalty and nobility as a symbol of status and was prized for its rarity exquisite flavour and aroma.
Purple Tea
Purple tea is relatively new and unique. It is primarily grown in the mountains of Kenya. It gets its name from the purple colouration of its leaves due to a high content of anthocyanins (the same antioxidants found in berries).
Rich in Anthocyanins: These antioxidants are known for their potential to help protect against cardiovascular diseases.
Antiviral Properties: The unique types of polyphenols found in purple tea can help fight viral infections and boost the immune system.
Anti-aging: Anthocyanins also have potential anti-aging benefits, protecting the skin from oxidative stress.
Historical Use: While the cultivation of purple tea is a modern development, traditional teas in Kenya have deep roots in local culture and are often used for medicinal purposes and during social rituals.
Conclusion
Each type of tea offers distinctive health benefits due to its unique composition of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These teas are not just beverages but have also played significant roles in culture, health, and medicine across various societies. Our research at the University of Pretoria entails investigating the health benefits of purple tea by analysing the antioxidant levels and other bioactive compounds and comparing this with green and white tea. We aim to determine how these compounds can reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, possibly leading to new dietary recommendations or supplemental products.