In traditional Chinese festivals, Tea is always present and indispensable. This is because tea is eco-friendly, healthy, and aids digestion.

A cup of tea can express care for family, blessings for friends, and introspection for oneself. In China, the tradition of reciprocity is valued, and tea gifts, customs, and culture are long-standing and rich.

Eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) on the Dragon Boat Festival is a tradition that dates back centuries. On this day, households soak glutinous rice, wash bamboo leaves, and wrap zongzi. There are many varieties. From the fillings, the northern regions mostly make jujube-filled zongzi, known as Beijing jujube zongzi; in the south, there are red bean paste, fresh meat, ham, egg yolk, and other fillings, among which Jiaxing zongzi in Zhejiang Province has enjoyed a high reputation since the Qing Dynasty. The custom of eating zongzi during the Dragon Boat Festival often results in indigestion due to the glutinous rice and rich fillings, leading to a heavy feeling in the stomach and bloating. Those with weaker digestive systems may even experience abdominal pain.

How can we alleviate the digestive burden caused by eating zongzi?

Don't worry, let me tell you! The answer is to drink dark tea!

Reason One:

The Dilemma of Meat-Filled Zongzi, Who Can Help?

Zongzi has rich fillings that are hard to digest, but dark tea helps to cut through the grease and aid digestion, adding an aromatic touch. Especially when eating meat-filled zongzi, which has the highest protein and fat content, drinking dark tea is most effective. This is because the “catechins” in dark tea can inhibit harmful microorganisms in the gut while promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria (such as lactobacilli), effectively improving the intestinal microbial environment. Its “alkaloids” stimulate the secretion of gastric juice, and its “fibers and flavanols” significantly enhance gastrointestinal motility.

Reason Two:

Post-Festival Feast “Meat Wars,” Who Can Handle It?

During fermentation, Anhua dark tea produces a component called “procynol,” which can effectively prevent fat accumulation. During the Dragon Boat Festival, when visiting relatives and feasting on meat, drinking dark tea after meals can help to remove excess oils, reduce fat levels, and alleviate concerns about obesity for many people.

Reason Three:

Post-Festival Heat and “Three Highs,” Who Can Control Them?

For some individuals with “three highs” (high blood pressure, high blood lipids, and high blood Sugar), meat-filled zongzi and egg yolk-filled zongzi, which are overly greasy and high in fat and protein, can easily cause increases in blood lipids and blood sugar. Furthermore, the Dragon Boat Festival is followed by the onset of hot summer, a peak period for the occurrence of “three highs.” Drinking more dark tea at this time is beneficial because the theaflavins, polysaccharides, and catechins in dark tea have been shown to lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipids, enhance immunity, slow heart rate, increase coronary flow, have anticoagulant and anti-thrombotic effects, and improve oxygen tolerance. In recent years, it has been discovered that tea polysaccharides also have therapeutic effects on diabetes.

Drinking Tea during the Dragon Boat Festival means drinking for health. During gatherings with family and friends, Brew a cup of tea and enjoy a Dragon Boat Festival that's different from the usual “zongzi” festivities!