A team of researchers studied the biological effects of an extract of white tea, the least processed version of the tea plant Camellia sinensis. Lead study author Marc Winnefeld said, “In the industrialized countries, the rising incidence of obesity-associated disorders including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes constitutes a growing problem. We’ve shown that white tea may be an ideal natural source of slimming substances”.
After treating lab-cultured human pre-adipocytes with the tea extract, the authors found that fat incorporation during the genesis of new fat cells was reduced. According to Winnefeld, “The extract solution induced a decrease in the expression of genes associated with the growth of new fat cells, while also prompting existing fat cells 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 Western countries. It is less processed than the other teas and contains more of the ingredients thought to be active on human cells, such as methylxanthines (like caffeine) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) – which the authors believe to be responsible for many of the anti-adipogenic effects demonstrated in their study.
The study concluded that white tea extract is a natural source that effectively inhibits adipogenesis (development of fat cells) and stimulates lipolysis-activity (the breakdown of fat cells).
References:
1. Marc Winnefeld, et al. White Tea extract induces lipolytic activity and inhibits adipogenesis in human subcutaneous (pre)-adipocytes. Nutrition & Metabolism 2009, 6:20.
