If recent research results are further confirmed, scientists may have stumbled upon a discovery that can change the way we approach disease prevention and aging.
Researchers from Kingston University in London, in collaboration with Neals Yard Remedies, tested 21 plant and herb extracts for their medicinal properties and found that white tea consistently outperformed them all.
“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,” says Professor Declan Naughton, from the School of Life Sciences at Kingston University.
The scientists believe the general health effects are mainly due to high levels of antioxidants. White tea compounds were also found to block the enzymes which breakdown elastin and collagen in the skin which can lead to wrinkles.
Other herbs that were found to have protective properties when it comes to aging were bladderwrack as well as extracts of cleavers, rose, green tea, angelica, anise and pomegranate.
Those who would like to take advantage of the benefits of these herbs are encouraged to visit natural health stores to select nutritional supplements that contain them. 