An extract of white tea prevents new fat cells that make up the body's adipose tissue from forming and helps to burn off mature ones, according to new research.
The herbal brew increases metabolism and boosts slimming by having a very high concentration of antioxidants compared to the more popular green variety.
Marc Winnefeld, a nutritionist, said: "In the industrialised countries, the rising incidence of obesity-associated disorders including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes constitutes a growing problem.
"We have shown that white tea may be an ideal natural source of slimming substances."
Mr Winnefeld and colleagues at German personal care products firm Beiersdorf AG studied the biological effects of the extract - the least processed version of the tea plant Camellia Sinensis.
They grew human fat cells in the lab and found that after treating them with the white tea compound the amount of fat in them was reduced.
Mr Winnefeld, whose findings are published in the journal Nutrition and Metabolism, said: "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."
White tea is made from the buds and first leaves of the plant used to make green tea and the black tea most commonly drunk in Britain and other Western countries.
It is less processed than the other teas and contains more of the ingredients thought to be active on human cells which the researchers believe to be responsible for many of the fat-busting effects seen in their study.
For hundreds of years the Chinese have kept the extremely beneficial properties of white tea a secret. Some scientists have dubbed it the ultimate health drink.
As well as being an aid to to weight loss, it has been shown to inhibit cancer cells as well as prevent the formation of new ones.
White tea is also very effective for having radiant, problem free skin. The abundant antioxidants help fight off free radicals which are responsible for wrinkles and ageing.
This article was taken from The Telegraph. Read the original article
