Modern medical research has identified nearly 20 Health benefits of Tea, including warming the stomach, weight loss, lowering cholesterol, preventing atherosclerosis, preventing coronary heart disease, lowering blood pressure, anti-aging, cancer prevention, lowering blood sugar, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the toxicity of smoke, reducing heavy metal toxicity, radiation protection, preventing tooth decay, improving vision, aiding digestion, detoxifying, preventing constipation, and hangover relief. But what are the differences in these benefits among different types of tea? This article can provide a small reference for choosing the right type of tea for your needs.
Cancer Prevention and Radiation Protection
Green Tea ★★★★★
Oolong Tea ★★★★☆
Black Tea ★★☆☆☆
Pu'er Tea ★★☆☆☆
Experts believe that tea contains Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and especially polyphenols, which have strong antioxidant activity. They can clear free radicals in the body and thus help with radiation protection and enhancing the immune system. The amount of polyphenols decreases as fermentation increases. Green tea, being non-fermented, has the strongest radiation protection effect; oolong tea is second. Drinking more tea can be very beneficial for those who use computers frequently to treat computer-related ailments.
Fat Burning and Weight Loss
Green Tea ★★★☆☆
Oolong Tea ★★★★☆
Black Tea ★★☆☆☆
Pu'er Tea ★★★★★
Pu'er has long been known as the king of weight-loss teas. Many medical experiments show that drinking Pu'er tea consistently can lower triglyceride levels by up to 30% (results may vary by individual). Pu'er tea is closely related to fat metabolism. Research data indicates that its unique fermentation process enhances the enzyme's ability to decompose abdominal fat. The fungi in Pu'er tea contain a minute amount of lipase, which aids in fat decomposition. Post-fermented Pu'er tea can inhibit weight gain, reduce cholesterol, and lower triglycerides in the blood.
Oolong tea has a pronounced effect on fat breakdown and can aid digestion and diuresis, particularly suitable for meat lovers, helping them lose weight and maintain their figure. Since autumn 1979, there has been an occasional craze for drinking oolong tea, especially among young women and middle-aged people who are overweight, earning it the titles of “slimming tea” and “the elixir of beauty and health.”
However, the effectiveness of tea for weight loss varies from person to person and is not suitable for everyone. The fundamental way to lose weight is through regular exercise; otherwise, the effects of tea for weight loss will be difficult to maintain.
Heat-Clearing and Fire-Quelling
Green Tea: ★★★★★
Oolong Tea: ★★★★☆
Black Tea: ★☆☆☆☆
Pu'er Tea: ★★★☆☆
Green tea, being non-fermented, is cool in nature and is effective at clearing heat and inflammation. However, people with cold stomachs should avoid drinking green tea.
Note: Medical advice suggests drinking floral tea in spring, green tea in summer, oolong tea in autumn, and black tea in winter. In spring, when the weather is still chilly, fragrant floral teas are ideal for dispelling the cold accumulated during winter and promoting the growth of yang energy. In summer, the hot climate makes green tea a good choice due to its bitter and cool properties, which can relieve heat and thirst and stimulate saliva production, aiding digestion. In autumn, oolong tea is the best choice, as its flavor and properties are between those of green and black tea, neither too cold nor too warm, effectively eliminating residual heat and restoring body fluids. Green and black teas can also be mixed together. In winter, sweet and warm black tea is recommended, which helps conserve yang energy in the body. Black tea is rich in proteins and sugars, and also aids digestion and reduces oiliness. Tea enthusiasts can choose different types of tea according to the season, which will be more beneficial for their health.
Stomach Nourishment and Protection
Green Tea: ★☆☆☆☆
Oolong Tea: ★★★★☆
Black Tea: ★★★★★
Pu'er Tea: ★★★☆☆
Drinking green tea on an empty stomach can cause discomfort in the stomach because the tea polyphenols, a crucial component, have astringent properties and can irritate the stomach. The irritation is stronger on an empty stomach. Unlike green tea, black tea is fermented and baked, leading to enzymatic oxidation of the tea polyphenols, which reduces their content and thus their irritation to the stomach. Therefore, black tea does not harm the stomach but instead nourishes it. Regular consumption of sweetened or milk-added black tea can reduce inflammation, protect the stomach lining, and even assist in treating ulcers. Those who drink excessively often suffer from cold stomachs, and drinking a cup of warm stomach tea daily is particularly beneficial.
Question: I have poor digestion and often feel bloated. What kind of tea should I drink?
Answer: It is recommended to drink black tea and ripe Pu'er tea.
1. Black tea is fermented and baked, leading to enzymatic oxidation of the tea polyphenols, which reduces their content and thus their irritation to the stomach. Black tea does not harm the stomach but instead nourishes it. Regular consumption of sweetened or milk-added black tea can reduce inflammation, protect the stomach lining, and even assist in treating ulcers.
2. Pu'er tea not only inhibits the growth of harmful microorganisms in the digestive tract but also promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria such as lactobacillus, effectively adjusting gut function. Its alkaloids promote gastric juice secretion, while flavanols enhance gastrointestinal motility. Studies have found that the catechins and tea saponins in dark tea have antimicrobial effects against various pathogenic bacteria, including oral bacteria, Helicobacter pylori, E. coli, typhoid and paratyphoid bacilli, and staphylococcus. Thus, Pu'er tea significantly alleviates bloating, stops diarrhea, and relieves constipation, making it particularly important for office workers who sit for long periods. Ripe Pu'er tea and flavanol compounds can increase digestive tract motility, aiding food digestion.
Question: I often work overtime. What kind of tea should I drink?
Answer: It is recommended to drink some green tea (such as Huangshan Maofeng, West Lake Longjing, Taiping Houkui, Liuan Guapian, etc.) and oolong tea, as both types have energizing effects.
The stimulant and mind-enhancing properties of tea mainly come from caffeine. Caffeine has the ability to excite the central nervous system, improve mental clarity, and increase efficiency. Therefore, Drinking Tea can help stay awake, refresh the mind, relieve fatigue, clear the head, and enhance verbal response and mathematical thinking abilities. Additionally, due to the presence of polyphenols and other compounds in tea, it counteracts the negative effects of pure caffeine on the human body. This is one of the reasons why the tradition of drinking tea has endured for centuries and remains popular today.
Question: As an office worker constantly exposed to a computer screen, I am concerned about radiation. What kind of tea should I drink?
Answer: For office workers frequently exposed to computer screens, where radiation can be high and potentially harmful to the skin and overall health, drinking green tea regularly is suitable. Green tea (such as West Lake Longjing and Huangshan Maofeng) has anti-radiation properties and is easy to prepare, simply requiring a glass of hot water and some tea leaves.
The “Shennong's Herbal Classic” lists tea among 365 medicinal herbs and states, “Tea tastes bitter, drinking it improves concentration, reduces sleepiness, lightens the body, and brightens the eyes.” Experts believe that the vitamin C, vitamin E, and especially the polyphenols in green tea have strong antioxidant activity, which can clear free radicals in the body and play a role in radiation protection and strengthening the immune system. Additionally, tea contains beta-carotene, which can be converted into vitamin A in the intestines and liver. Vitamin A nourishes the eyes, relieves eye strain, and prevents night blindness