Tea is a beverage that many people can't do without, and more and more people are paying attention to the relationship between Tea drinking and health. Pu'er tea is one such type. Let's explore together the benefits and drawbacks of drinking Pu'er tea.

What Are the Benefits of Drinking Pu'er Tea?

1. Improves Digestion and Appetite

Pu'er tea contains abundant dietary fibers, which stimulate bowel movements mechanically. It is very beneficial for those suffering from bloating, abdominal pain, and poor appetite as it helps improve digestion and appetite.

2. Prevents High Cholesterol

The active enzymes in Pu'er tea purify the blood upon entering the body, accelerating the metabolism of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. This reduces blood viscosity and prevents elevated lipid levels. Regular consumption of Pu'er tea also lowers the incidence of atherosclerosis.

3. Protects Teeth

Pu'er tea contains various biologically active components with certain bactericidal and disinfecting properties. An experiment conducted by Hunan Medical University found that Pu'er tea inhibits the adhesion of mutans streptococci, playing a role in preventing plaque formation and thus providing some protection for teeth.

4. Anti-Aging Properties

The catechins, Vitamin C, and vitamin E in Pu'er tea all have anti-aging effects. Additionally, the amino acids and various trace elements in Pu'er tea also contribute to resisting aging.

5. Lowers Blood Pressure

Substances in Pu'er tea, including polyphenols, vitamin C, and vitamin P, are effective in lowering blood pressure. For example, polyphenols can directly affect capillaries, improving their function. They can also significantly inhibit the activity of angiotensin I-converting enzyme, leading to lower blood pressure.

Drawbacks of Drinking Raw Pu'er Tea

1. Stimulates the Gastrointestinal Tract: Due to the absence of certain processing steps, raw Pu'er tea has higher levels of substances like polyphenols that can irritate the stomach. Therefore, it is not suitable for individuals with gastrointestinal inflammation or ulcers, as it may exacerbate symptoms by stimulating the digestive tract.

2. Affects Sleep: Since raw Pu'er tea has a stimulating effect, it may disrupt sleep for those who need rest or have poor sleep quality. Drinking raw Pu'er tea before bedtime could lead to sleep disturbances or insomnia.

3. Interferes with Digestion and Absorption: Raw Pu'er tea contains tannic acid, which can interfere with the absorption of other substances after consumption. For example, it may affect the absorption of medication or proteins from food.

In addition, while regularly drinking raw Pu'er tea correctly can play a minor supportive role in regulating lipids and blood pressure, its effects are minimal and cannot replace medical treatment. From a Traditional Chinese medicine perspective, raw Pu'er tea is considered cold in nature, making it unsuitable for individuals with conditions like spleen-stomach deficiency and coldness. Otherwise, it might cause adverse reactions like diarrhea.