Tea, lotus seed heart, and goji berries are three natural ingredients with a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine. But is it appropriate to brew them together? Let's delve into the individual characteristics of these ingredients and the potential health benefits when combined.
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Benefits of Tea
As a widely popular beverage, tea not only tastes delicious but also contains numerous components beneficial to health. The catechins and polyphenols in tea have potent antioxidant effects that can help protect the body from free radical damage. Additionally, tea contains Caffeine, which can invigorate the mind, improve focus and concentration.
Effects of Lotus Seed Heart
The lotus seed heart (lotus seed embryo) is the germ part of the lotus seed, which is bitter and cool in nature. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, lotus seed heart is used for clearing heart fire, calming the spirit, stopping bleeding, and astringing essence. It is often recommended for treating insomnia, irritability, thirst, and other symptoms caused by excessive heart fire. Furthermore, modern research has found that lotus seed heart contains various antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and anticancer potential.
Benefits of Goji Berries
Goji berries, also known as “Ningxia goji” or “wolfberry,” are regarded in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a tonic for the liver and kidneys and beneficial for improving vision. Goji berries are rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, amino acids, and various minerals, providing multiple health functions such as boosting immunity, anti-aging, and vision improvement. Moreover, the sweetness of goji berries can balance the bitterness of lotus seed heart, making the tea more palatable.
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Health Benefits of Combining These Three Ingredients
brewing tea, lotus seed heart, and goji berries together not only combines their individual health benefits but also creates a unique-tasting, multifunctional health tea.
Firstly, the combination of antioxidants in tea with those in lotus seed heart and goji berries can more effectively help the body resist free radical damage, slowing down aging.
Secondly, the bitterness of lotus seed heart, which has a calming effect on the heart and mind, complements the caffeine in tea, helping to stabilize mood while invigorating the body, improving anxiety and insomnia.
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Lastly, the liver and kidney tonifying and vision-improving effects of goji berries make this tea particularly beneficial for those who overuse their eyes or suffer from liver and kidney deficiency. The sweetness of goji berries also balances the bitterness of lotus seed heart, making the tea smoother and more enjoyable to drink.
How to Prepare This Health Tea
Preparing this health tea is very simple. You will need an appropriate amount of Green Tea, lotus seed heart, and goji berries. Here are the steps:
- Place 2-3 grams of green tea into a teapot or cup.
- Add 1-2 grams of lotus seed heart. Because lotus seed heart is bitter, do not use too much.
- Add 5-10 goji berries. You can add slightly more goji berries to increase the sweetness of the tea.
- Brew with water heated to 85-90 degrees Celsius, steep for 3-5 minutes before drinking.
You can adjust the proportions according to your personal taste. It is recommended to drink 1-2 times daily, avoiding excessive consumption.
Precautions When Drinking
While the combination of tea, lotus seed heart, and goji berries offers many health benefits, there are a few points to keep in mind:
- Those sensitive to bitterness or with cold stomachs should reduce the amount of lotus seed heart to avoid discomfort.
- People with high blood pressure should not consume too much tea containing caffeine.
- Although goji berries are nourishing, excessive intake may cause heatiness; moderation is advised.
In summary, the combination of tea, lotus seed heart, and goji berries makes for a very suitable health tea for everyday consumption. Not only is it rich in flavor, but it also provides multiple health benefits, helping you maintain physical and mental balance amidst a busy life.