The Health benefits of Pu'er Tea have always been a topic of enthusiastic discussion among tea enthusiasts. However, its unique fermentation process results in a distinctive taste, form, and composition, which can cause conflicts with some foods, leading to chemical reactions that produce harmful substances and harm human health.

So, who are these “mortal enemies” of Pu'er tea? Mortal Enemy No. 1 — Alcohol We've often been misled by the saying: “Drinking Tea after alcohol is good for the liver and helps you sober up.” Those who have truly overindulged in alcohol probably understand how wrong this statement is. Drinking Pu'er tea after excessive alcohol consumption can make one feel even worse, causing cold sweats and severe discomfort in the stomach. Drinking Pu'er tea after drinking alcohol is not wise as it can increase the load on the heart, potentially leading to accidents. If you get drunk, drink a cup of warm milk and sleep it off. The next day, after breakfast, drinking cooked Pu'er tea can be beneficial for your damaged digestive system. Mortal Enemy No. 2 — Protein When acidic substances in tea combine with proteins, they can reduce intestinal peristalsis, decrease water content in the intestines, affect the digestive system, and cause constipation. Generally, it's best to avoid drinking Pu'er tea for about three hours after consuming high-protein foods like beef, milk, or eggs.

Mortal Enemy No. 3 — Medications Whether Traditional Chinese medicine or Western medicine, they seem to be naturally incompatible with Pu'er tea. Substances in tea can react chemically with elements in medications, forming precipitates that reduce the effectiveness of the medication. Therefore, it is prohibited to drink tea during the course of taking medication, especially potent Pu'er teas. Mortal Enemy No. 4 — Animal Livers Animal livers often have hematopoietic functions and contain large amounts of iron, which is beneficial to the human body. If you drink Pu'er tea while eating liver, it will greatly reduce the absorption of iron. However, drinking it three to five hours later is highly beneficial as it can effectively lower cholesterol and prevent the three highs (hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia). Mortal Enemy No. 5 — Cholesterol-Lowering Vegetables Like Celery and Fungus Eating Pu'er tea with bland vegetables like celery and fungus that are known for their cholesterol-lowering effects can lead to anemia and low blood pressure if there isn't enough fat in your diet. Low blood pressure can be just as harmful as high blood pressure, as it can weaken the body's immune system, cause weakness, and make one more susceptible to colds and other viruses. Therefore, it's important to maintain balance in your diet.

All things in nature are interdependent and counterbalanced; there cannot be up without down, nor high without low. In Chinese culture, the concept of the Five Elements is observed, and this applies to dietary practices as well. A classic example is what we commonly refer to as “drinking food” to accompany alcoholic beverages. Have you ever noticed what kinds of dishes are typically served as drinking food? They usually include fried nuts and peanuts. Why do we serve such heat-inducing foods as drinking food? Because alcohol is extremely cold in nature, and we need to combat the cold with heat! Pu'er tea is a health product, and long-term consumption can be very beneficial to human health. Its ability to lower cholesterol and manage the three highs, its protective effects on the stomach, and its cancer-preventing properties have all been scientifically verified and trusted by consumers. However, when drinking Pu'er tea, it is essential to pay attention to the method of consumption and avoid turning a good product into a poison.