Drinking tea is not just about savoring its flavor but also about appreciating its health benefits. Today, we will introduce the health effects of Tieguanyin. Many people are unfamiliar with the classification of Chinese tea, so they are curious about which category Tieguanyin belongs to. Let’s explore the classifications of Chinese tea.

Health Benefits of Tieguanyin

1. Weight Loss

Regular consumption of Tieguanyin can reduce cravings for oily foods and improve overall well-being. Its polyphenols help lower blood lipids, triglycerides, and cholesterol, leading to reduced subcutaneous fat and waist circumference, thus promoting weight loss.

2. Anti-Cancer Properties

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in Tieguanyin has strong anti-cancer properties. Tea polyphenols are the main active compounds that prevent cancer. Additionally, vitamins C and E in Tieguanyin block the synthesis of carcinogenic nitrosamines, offering significant anti-cancer benefits.

3. Anti-Aging

The tea polyphenols in Tieguanyin enhance fat metabolism and improve body shape by reducing subcutaneous fat and waist circumference, contributing to a healthier weight.

4. Cardiovascular Health

Tieguanyin’s polyphenols lower cholesterol and improve the ratio of HDL to LDL in the blood. Caffeine in the tea also helps prevent coronary heart disease, hypertension, and arteriosclerosis.

5. Dental Health

Fluorides in Tieguanyin combine with calcium in teeth to form a protective layer, preventing acid erosion and cavities. This makes it effective for both prevention and treatment of dental issues.

6. Diabetes Management

Tieguanyin supplements vitamins B1, pantothenic acid, and polyphenols, which help prevent diabetes. For mild cases, it can normalize blood sugar levels; for severe cases, it reduces symptoms.

Classification of Chinese Tea

1. Green Tea

Unfermented tea, processed by pan-frying fresh leaves to retain their green color. Famous varieties include Longjing, Biluochun, and Huangshan Maofeng.

2. Black Tea

Fully fermented tea, producing a red hue. Subtypes include Keemun, Dianhong, and Lapsang Souchong.

3. Oolong Tea (Blue Tea)

Semi-fermented tea with a unique amber color. Notable varieties include Tieguanyin, Da Hong Pao, and Dong Ding Oolong.

4. Scented Tea

Tea blended with fragrant flowers like jasmine or osmanthus, popular in northern China for its strong aroma.

5. Yellow Tea

Lightly fermented tea with a yellow hue, such as Junshan Yinzhen and Mengding Huangya.

6. Dark Tea

Post-fermented tea, including Pu-erh and Liubao tea, known for its aging potential and health benefits.

7. White Tea

Minimally processed tea with a delicate flavor, like Baihao Yinzhen and Shou Mei.

What Kind of Tea is Tieguanyin?

Tieguanyin is a type of oolong tea, belonging to the blue tea category. It is renowned for its floral aroma and rich taste, originating from Anxi, Fujian.

How to Brew Tieguanyin

Use a gaiwan and pure water heated to 90°C. Rinse the leaves first, then steep for 15 seconds per infusion, up to seven times. Fresh Tieguanyin is best, as aging diminishes its unique acidity and aroma. Avoid overconsumption of new tea to prevent stomach irritation.