A series of experiments have shown white tea extract has a potential to help control weight gain, researchers have said.

German scientists have studied the effects of an extract of white tea the least processed version of the tea plant Camellia sinensis – and found that after treating lab-cultured human pre-adipocytes (fat cells) with the tea extract, fat incorporation in new adipocytes was reduced.

“The extract solution induced a decrease in the expression of genes associated with the growth of new fat cells, while also prompting existing adipocytes to break down the fat they contain,” says Marc Winnefeld, who led the team of researchers from Beiersdorf AG.

The researchers add that white tea, being less processed, contains more of the ingredients thought to be active on human cells, such as methylxanthines (similar to caffeine) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is believed to be responsible for many of the beneficial effects demonstrated in the study.

For those trying to lose or control their weight, health practitioners have also recommended the alkaline diet.

It is based on citrus fruits, vegetables, tubers, nuts and legumes and it helps boost bone health into old age.