Drinking tea has six major benefits.
It is well known that drinking tea benefits both body and mind. Compounds such as tea polyphenols, caffeine, lipopolysaccharides, and various vitamins found in tea leaves contribute to health care and pharmacological effects.
Resists radiation. Foreign studies indicate that tea polyphenols and their oxides can absorb certain radioactive substances, protecting cells from radiation damage and aiding in the repair of damaged cells. Clinical research shows that tea extracts can effectively treat mild radiation sickness in cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy, as well as address decreases in blood cells and white blood cells caused by radiation.
Improves muscle endurance. Research has found that tea contains an antioxidant called "catechin," which enhances the body's ability to burn fat, improves muscle endurance, helps combat fatigue, and increases exercise duration. Regularly drinking green tea yields the most noticeable effects.
Protects against UV rays. Tea polyphenols are water-soluble substances. Washing the face with tea water can cleanse facial oil, tighten pores, and has disinfecting, sterilizing, and anti-aging effects on the skin. It also helps reduce skin damage from ultraviolet rays in sunlight, acting as a natural "sunscreen."
Helps maintain body weight. The Tang Dynasty's "Compendium of Materia Medica" mentioned that "long-term consumption of tea makes one lean," and modern scientific research confirms this. The caffeine in tea promotes gastric juice secretion, aids digestion, and enhances the body's ability to break down fat. Foreign studies also show that regular tea consumption can reduce waist circumference and lower body mass index (BMI), thereby helping prevent diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Improves memory. Tea polyphenols help regulate specific areas of the brain, improving memory and learning efficiency. Foreign research confirms that drinking tea can prevent and treat neurological diseases, especially age-related cognitive disorders. Additionally, caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, providing refreshing, mind-clearing, and thought-enhancing effects.
Increases bone density. Although tea contains caffeine, which promotes calcium loss through urination, the amount is minimal. Even black tea, which is relatively high in caffeine, contains only 30–45 mg per cup. In fact, tea contains more substances that help reduce calcium loss, including fluoride, phytoestrogens, and potassium. A study in Taiwan found that regular tea drinkers have higher bone density and a lower risk of hip fractures.
Brewing and drinking tea correctly is essential for health.
"To enjoy good tea, one must not only choose well but also know how to brew and drink it." Several experts share tips on brewing and drinking tea to ensure a pleasant experience.
Brew green tea at a lower temperature. "When brewing tea, control the tea-to-water ratio; it should not be too strong, as light tea is better for health." Jiang Heyuan points out that when brewing green tea, the water temperature should be around 80°C, with a steeping time of 2–3 minutes. For 3 grams of green tea, 150 ml of water is ideal for the perfect strength. Yellow tea and white tea are brewed similarly to green tea. Black tea, however, is best brewed with boiling water and steeped longer, about 5 minutes, to allow the release of flavonoid health substances, enhancing both aroma and health benefits. Oolong tea also prefers boiling water and requires a higher tea-to-water ratio. For example, when using a purple clay teapot, fill it half with tea leaves and half with water, and it can be brewed 5–6 times. Dark teas, represented by Pu-erh tea, require rinsing. Before the first formal brew, soak the tea leaves in boiling water for 10 seconds, discard the water, and then brew formally. This removes impurities and makes the tea taste more mellow.
Three cups of tea a day are ideal. Yang Li suggests that drinking three cups of tea per day is optimal. The first cup is morning tea, best consumed after breakfast between 9 and 10 a.m., to refresh, detoxify, and combat fatigue. Floral tea is most suitable for morning tea. The second cup is afternoon tea, best consumed between 1 and 3 p.m., after lunch or a nap. Afternoon tea can be slightly stronger, and green tea, with its antioxidant, free-radical-scavenging, and antiviral properties, is most appropriate. The third cup is evening tea, best consumed between 6 and 7 p.m. after dinner. Black tea, which helps lower blood lipids and aids digestion, is the best choice for evening tea.
Drink tea one hour after meals. When drinking green tea, it is best to brew and drink it immediately. If the temperature is too high or the steeping time too long, the tea soup will turn yellow, and its aroma will dissipate. Yang Li notes that even when drinking immediately, wait until the water is no longer scalding. It is best to drink tea half an hour to one hour after a meal. Drinking tea directly after a meal can hinder the absorption of iron and protein. Also, avoid drinking too much tea before bedtime to prevent insomnia. Finally, Jiang Yongwen reminds us not to chew tea leaves, as they may contain trace amounts of heavy metals like lead and cadmium, as well as insoluble pesticides, posing potential risks.