Most know the four primary types of Tea from the Camellia sinensis plant: Black, Green, White and Oolong. Each one has something unique, indeed extraordinary, to offer.

However, there are other choices - including Yellow Tea! But what, exactly, is this beverage? And what are Yellow Tea benefits? We’ll be exploring all this and more in the following article.

Once you know the facts, you can start your journey with The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company. We pack our Yellow Tea, like almost all of our products, fresh to order - our way of guaranteeing both quality and consistency. What more could you want from your morning cuppa?

What is Yellow Tea

What is Yellow Tea? 

Yellow Tea is one of the rarest varieties available. It shares similarities with Oolong Tea, as well as, to a lesser extent, Green Tea. This is because of its processing, which sees the leaf only lightly fermented.

It then undergoes an additional step - a procedure called “sealed yellowing”, which involves it being encased and steamed. The result is, put simply, exquisite. 

Sealed yellowing removes the characteristic grassy profile of Green Tea. In its place, Yellow Tea has a distinctly sweet, mellow taste. Long favoured by Buddhist monks, this beverage was once also a “Tribute Tea” to royal members of the Imperial Court of China.

Nowadays, however, its production takes place in only a handful of Chinese provinces, including Anhui, Zhejiang and Hunan. 

What it lacks in quantity, though, it makes up for in quality. Indeed, scientists today largely agree that Yellow Tea benefits can support life in small yet significant ways.

Whether you’re looking to drop a few pounds or keep your skin healthy and youthful, this remarkable infusion could help.

Yellow Tea Benefits

Yellow Tea Health Benefits

Few studies exist surrounding Yellow Tea benefits. However, that doesn’t mean it’s without potential. What we DO know without a doubt is that Yellow Tea, like any type of “real” Tea, contains a wealth of vitamins, minerals and other antioxidants.

Combined, these chemical compounds can combat free radicals in the body, the product of natural, though harmful, human oxidation. 

By slowing oxidation, Yellow Tea benefits your health and wellbeing in a multitude of ways. Most notably, it reduces the risk of developing several chronic conditions, including type-2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and, very possibly, cancer.

Furthermore, it promotes weight loss, aids digestion, and even maintains your skin. Let’s now explore in-depth.

Yellow Tea and Weight Loss

Can Aid Weight Loss

There is no “fix-all” solution for losing weight. Indeed, it takes hard work, commitment and perseverance - among other qualities. But could your morning cuppa at least offer a helping hand? It seems likely when you apply Yellow Tea benefits to your daily life.

The reason for this outstanding ability is the metabolism-boosting properties of Yellow Tea. This process refers to the chemical reactions that take place in your body’s cells.

In terms of what you eat, it essentially converts the fuel in your food into energy, which powers nearly everything you do. By boosting metabolism, Yellow Tea can help the body to burn fat not only quicker but also more efficiently. 

Additionally, this wholesome, nutritious beverage contains no more than two calories per 8-oz serving, thus making it an excellent alternative to sugary soft drinks.

The same goes for almost every other Tea Types, too, so it’s a win-win on all fronts!

Yellow Tea for a Healthy Heart

Helps Towards a Healthy Heart

We’ve already established that Yellow Tea benefits your heart due to its abundance in antioxidants. Yet this isn’t the only way it can support your ticker. Preliminary research (emphasis on “preliminary”) shows that it also lowers “bad” LDL cholesterol. 

The way this work is reportedly twofold. First, the chemical make-up of Yellow Tea is of such molecules that it lowers the level of low-density lipoprotein - or “bad” fat. It then also prevents the absorption of cholesterol from your food into your body.

It again remains vital to recognise, however, that there is only minimal evidence surrounding Yellow Tea’s supposed ability to improve cardiovascular health.

As such, until we know more, The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company does NOT endorse this Tea for this purpose. Instead, we support ongoing scientific research with the hope of uncovering more concrete proof in the near future.

Yellow Tea and Diabetes

May Prevent Diabetes

Evidence exists suggesting that Yellow Tea benefits can help prevent and control diabetes. One Japanese study, in particular, noted that daily consumption of this infusion could reduce the risk of developing the condition by 33%.

Another project conducted in Taiwan had similar findings, with scientists stating their belief that Yellow Tea combated diabetes by reducing body fat.

Furthermore, a Chinese animal-based study found that mice consuming Yellow Tea extract experienced significantly reduced blood glucose levels.

Whether all of this works outside of laboratory conditions, though, remains the topic of significant debate. For this reason, we once again urge caution when drinking Yellow Tea for reduced diabetes risks. If you have any concerns, it’s paramount you consult a doctor.

Yellow Tea and Anti Aging Properties

Has Anti-Ageing Properties

Some believe that the antioxidants in Yellow Tea offer anti-ageing properties, thus resulting in improved skin health. The reason this works is due to polyphenols, a type of antioxidant, that fight oxidative stress.

In other words, while Yellow Tea benefits your insides, reducing diabetes and heart disease risks, it’s also keeping your outside looking fresh and youthful. 

If that wasn’t enough, there’s also evidence that topical use of Yellow Tea can inhibit UV-induced skin damage. This could protect you from sunburns, as well as, potentially (though not yet proven), certain types of cancer.

The research in question was animal-based, however, so it remains to be seen whether the same benefits apply to humans. Once again, we await further research before backing this claim.

Yellow Tea Side Effects

Yellow Tea Side Effects

The term “too much of a good thing” very much applies to Yellow Tea benefits. This is because overconsumption can lead to some side effects, most notably due to its caffeine content.

Caffeine famously helps us to get out of bed in the morning. However, it also contributes to stress and anxiety, as well as digestive issues and insomnia. 

Those who’re pregnant, in particular, should monitor their intake of Yellow Tea. NHS Choices recommends that pregnant women consume no more than 200-mg of caffeine daily - the equivalent of two Cups of Coffee.

Although this beverage contains less than that, too many cups of it could have a similar impact on your health. Always speak to a doctor, nurse or midwife if you have any other concerns.

Does Yellow Tea have Caffeine?

Does Yellow Tea have Caffeine?

The short answer is “yes”. Yellow Tea does, indeed, contain caffeine - as we’ve already established above. It then becomes a question of “how much?”

According to one source, there is an estimated 33-mg of this stimulating chemical compound per 8-oz cup. That’s around the same as Green Tea and Oolong. Black Tea, in comparison, has approximately 40-mg, while White Tea has 20-mg. 

Just remember - it’s caffeine in Yellow Tea that causes the vast majority of its side effects. If you’re pregnant or a caffeine sensitive individual, consider seeking medical consultation before consumption.

First and foremost, The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company cares about the welfare of its customers. And so, we recommend you listen to the experts - they know best! 

How to Make Yellow Tea

How to Make Yellow Tea

When it comes to “how to make Yellow Tea”, much of the same rules for making Green or White Tea apply.

This often requires extra care and diligence to ensure the leaves don’t over-brew. But worry not. Providing you follow our step-by-step instructions, you’ll be enjoying a hassle-free cuppa in no time at all - as well as, of course, Yellow Tea benefits! 

Time needed: 4 minutes.

How to Make Yellow Tea

  1. Use a Tea Filter / Infuser.

    Put Loose Leaf Yellow Tea into one of our Tea Filters or Infusers.

  2. Boil the kettle.

    Bring freshly boiled water to temperatures between 70°C and 90°C. Any hotter and you risk burning the leaves, which creates an unpleasant bitter taste.

  3. Put the Filter or Infuser into a cup.

    A porcelain mug has the least influence on the taste. Avoid metal cups where possible.

  4. Add freshly boiled water to your cup.

    Fill your cup and mug with the water from the kettle.

  5. Allow it to Infuse / Steep.

    Let it brew for 1-3 minutes (the longer you leave it, the stronger it tastes.)

  6. Consider a choice of additions.

    Some people add a slice of lemon or a dollop of honey.

Conclusion

Yellow Tea is one of the least-known types of Tea in the world. Like Black, Green Tea, White Tea and Oolong Tea, it comes from the Camellia sinensis plant - and consequently contains caffeine.

Although there is little evidence at present, the health benefits of this extraordinary brew seem promising. Perhaps best of all, it tastes great! Why not buy from The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company today?

Author: Richard Smith

Partner at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company

Richard Smith is a Tea expert, entrepreneur, and owner of The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company. Part of a family of renowned Tea planters dating back four generations, he was born in Calcutta (Kolkata), India, where he spent his childhood between Tea Estates in Assam and Darjeeling.

In the late 1970s, having accumulated years of knowledge in the industry, Mr Smith and his mother, Janet Smith, moved to Kent, South East England, to establish a Tea business in the village of Pluckley. Their early days of packing Tea Bags by hand from chests of 10,000 prompted the creation of the company’s flagship infusion known as Pluckley Tea. It remains our most popular product today.

Mr Smith, who studied economics at London Polytechnic, has since specialised in over 1,000 types of Loose Leaf Tea - in addition to around 70 varieties of Roast Coffee - from around the world. These are now available at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, where everything is still packed by hand and fresh to order, not only to honour tradition but to ensure the utmost quality and consistency.

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