In this fast-paced era, Pu'er Tea has become a favored beverage for more and more people. Compared to bland tap water, Pu'er tea offers a variety of flavors; compared to drinks with additives, Pu'er tea is natural and healthy. Although our reasons for loving Pu'er tea may differ, one reason that cannot be overlooked is its “Health benefits.” What are the specific benefits of Pu'er tea? Let's take a look together.
① Weight loss function
② Antioxidant function
③ Blood pressure reduction, blood sugar regulation, and cholesterol-lowering functions
④ Diuretic and detoxifying effects, reducing the harmful effects of smoking and alcohol
⑤ Ability to induce feelings of pleasure
⑥ Bacterial-killing and anti-inflammatory properties
Three Direct Health Benefits of Aged Pu'er Tea
Today, I'm transforming into a health expert to discuss why Pu'er tea is known as a “guardian of health.”
1. Hangover relief and liver protection
The hangover-relieving properties of Pu'er tea have been widely accepted in the industry. In fact, many fermented foods have hangover-relieving properties, such as vinegar, which we often consume. This is because many fermented foods contain multiple enzyme systems, including enzymes specifically for hangover relief. In the case of Pu'er tea, these enzymes are more targeted after undergoing multiple fermentations.
Alcohol is primarily metabolized and broken down in the human body through two enzymes: one is alcohol dehydrogenase, and the other is acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. Alcohol dehydrogenase removes two hydrogen atoms from the alcohol molecule, converting ethanol into acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde dehydrogenase then removes two hydrogen atoms from acetaldehyde, converting it into acetic acid, which is ultimately broken down into carbon dioxide and water.
2. Digestive aid and fat-cutting effects
During the fermentation process, Pu'er tea produces its inherent cellulase and pectinase, along with other enzymes, which decompose large amounts of derivatives. These derivatives include not only saccharifying enzymes but also other enzymes that interact with the human gastrointestinal tract's biocatalytic systems, increasing the secretion of gastric proteases and enhancing their activity. This strengthens the stomach's ability to digest protein-rich foods, thereby enhancing digestion.
3. Stomach-nourishing effects
A significant distinction between Pu'er tea and other types of tea is that aged Pu'er can be consumed on an empty stomach without harming the stomach or intestines and instead has a nourishing effect on the stomach. There are three reasons for this:
a. After fermentation, Pu'er tea produces a large number of derivatives, mostly small molecules, which are easily absorbed by the human gastrointestinal tract and have minimal irritation.
b. Pu'er tea contains significantly higher levels of pectin substances than other teas. These substances exhibit excellent adsorption properties and can bind and eliminate harmful substances within the body, such as bacterial enzymes and other toxins, heavy metals like lead and mercury, and even radioactive elements, thus having a detoxifying effect. They also protect the stomach lining and aid digestion.
Pu'er tea's pectin substances can form a film-like layer over stomach ulcers, promoting healing, making it suitable for those with stomach issues.
c. The Caffeine content in Pu'er tea can neutralize stomach acid, improving digestive function.