White tea, the less processed version of green and black teas, may be a double-edged sword in the fight against obesity.

An extract of the beverage was tested by researchers at Beiersdorf AG because of certain ingredients thought to combat the production of fat cells like caffeine or EGCG.

They tested it on human fat cells and found that the compound was able to reduce the production of new fat cells, similar in action to a thermostat.

Fats within the existing cells were also broken down because of the effects of the white tea, according to the study.

"We’ve shown that white tea may be an ideal natural source of slimming substances," said lead researcher Marc Winnefeld.

Those who are already drinking green tea or using its extracts for health benefits may still find benefits not yet studied in white tea.

Researchers at Kyushu University found that one cup of green tea per day was enough for Japanese men to reduce their risk of periodontal disease like gingivitis because of green tea’s antioxidants that reduce inflammation.