After holidays, many people experience symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, bloating, and poor appetite. Experts suggest drinking tea to relieve tiredness and aid in post-holiday recovery. So, what are the health benefits of Pu-erh tea? Here are 12 wellness secrets of Pu-erh tea:
1. Preventing Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease, also known as coronary atherosclerosis. Drinking tea is effective in preventing it. Statistics show that the incidence of coronary heart disease is 3.1% for non-tea drinkers, 2.3% for occasional drinkers, and only 1.4% for regular drinkers (over three years). Additionally, the progression of coronary heart disease is related to insufficient coronary blood supply and thrombosis. The catechins in tea polyphenols and the tea pigments formed during oxidation have significant anticoagulant, fibrinolytic, and antithrombotic effects.
2. Lowering Blood Pressure
Hypertension refers to elevated systolic or diastolic pressure beyond normal levels. Arteriosclerosis not only leads to coronary heart disease but is also closely related to hypertension. Lowering blood pressure means reducing it. The tea polyphenols, vitamin C, and vitamin P in tea are effective components for preventing hypertension. Especially, tea polyphenols, catechins, and theaflavins significantly inhibit the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme, directly lowering blood pressure.
3. Deep Detoxification and Body Slimming
Pu-erh tea can promote salivation, quench thirst, relieve heat, detoxify, and aid digestion. It is particularly suitable for those with constipation issues, as it helps regulate the stomach and restore normal function, effectively solving problems like acne and bad breath caused by constipation.
4. Mild Nature of Pu-erh Tea
Urban life is often stressful, with irregular diets and common stomach issues. Pu-erh tea is a great remedy for nourishing the stomach and replenishing energy. The caffeine in it, after years of fermentation, does not cause excitement. Historically, Empress Dowager Cixi had the habit of drinking Pu-erh tea at night.
5. Natural Health Drink
After the anti-cancer and health benefits of Pu-erh tea were confirmed by the medical community, tea enthusiasts gained more confidence. Its fat-reducing and digestion-aiding properties attract many beauty and fitness enthusiasts, especially middle-aged individuals prone to weight gain. Hot Pu-erh tea soothes the stomach and is most effective for constipation and frequent urination. It also strengthens male vitality and improves prostatitis. The longer Pu-erh tea is stored, the better its energy-boosting effects.
6. Protecting Teeth
Pu-erh tea contains many bioactive components with antibacterial and disinfectant effects. Experts have found that Pu-erh tea can inhibit dental plaque formation.
7. Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, and Treating Dysentery
Medical research and clinical trials have proven that Pu-erh tea has antibacterial effects. Drinking strong tea ten times a day can treat bacterial dysentery, which is directly related to the rich tea polyphenols in Yunnan large-leaf tea.
8. Nourishing and Protecting the Stomach
At an appropriate concentration, drinking mild Pu-erh tea does not irritate the stomach. The thick, sweet, and mellow Pu-erh tea forms a protective layer on the stomach lining, providing long-term benefits for stomach health.
9. Anti-aging
During processing, the large polysaccharide molecules in Pu-erh tea convert into soluble monosaccharides and oligosaccharides, and vitamin C increases significantly. These components enhance the immune system, promoting health and longevity.
10. Radiation Protection
Studies show that drinking 2% Pu-erh tea can mitigate damage caused by cobalt-60 radiation.
11. Promoting Sleep, a Wellness Elixir
Although the difference in brewing methods is small, the results are vastly different.
Pu-erh tea is best consumed before bedtime, using the brewing method rather than steeping. After pouring hot water and extracting the tea, separate the tea leaves from the liquid to keep them dry. Brewing helps calm the mind and improve sleep, while steeping has the opposite effect, keeping you alert.
12. Healthy Weight Loss
For weight loss, remember to drink Pu-erh tea half an hour after meals. This helps eliminate excess fat from greasy meals. Drinking it half an hour before meals, however, has the opposite effect of weight gain.
Seasonal Tea Drinking Guide
Spring: Floral teas like rose tea, jasmine tea, and chrysanthemum tea help disperse cold and promote liver health.
Summer: Herbal teas like green tea and mint tea cool the body and relieve thirst.
Autumn: Fruit teas like kumquat, pineapple, and oolong tea clear heat and nourish the lungs.
Winter: Root teas like asparagus, black tea, Tieguanyin tea, and Pu-erh tea warm the body and dispel cold.
Tip: Avoid Over-brewing
Drinking tea for wellness requires attention. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach to prevent stomach irritation. Also, avoid overly strong tea to prevent insomnia or tachycardia. For best results, do not brew tea too many times. Generally, after the third brew, it's advisable to add fresh tea leaves or herbs for better efficacy.