How many times is it best to steep a cup of tea?

The number of times tea can be steeped is related to both the quality of the tea and the drinker's habits. However, from a nutrient absorption perspective, tea bags are best steeped only once, while loose-leaf tea should not exceed three steepings.

It is understood that tea contains nutrients such as tea polyphenols, which have cancer-inhibiting effects; tea polysaccharides, which can lower blood sugar; caffeine, which stimulates the central nervous system; and various amino acids and vitamins. The amount of these nutrients that are released depends greatly on the number of steepings. Generally, the larger the tea leaves, the slower the release of nutrients; the smaller the particles, the faster the release. Compared to loose-leaf tea, the leaves in tea bags are cut and rolled during processing, which thoroughly breaks down the leaf cells, resulting in smaller particles. About 80% to 90% of the nutrients in tea bags are released during the first 3-5 minute infusion. After the second infusion, almost all of the remaining 10% or so of nutrients are released.

Due to their larger particle size, the first infusion of loose-leaf tea should be longer, about 5 minutes, during which 60% to 80% of the nutrients are released. After the second infusion, 80% to 90% of the nutrients are released. After the third infusion, the extraction rate of nutrients exceeds 95%. Further steepings have little nutritional value.

For the average person, what is the ideal daily amount of tea to drink?

For generally healthy adults, drinking about 12 grams of tea per day, divided into 3 to 4 infusions, is appropriate. Those who consume more greasy food, smoke, or drink alcohol may appropriately increase their tea consumption (around 20 grams is advisable). Pregnant women, children, individuals with neurasthenia, and those with tachycardia should reduce their tea intake appropriately and may drink lighter tea.

What is the best temperature for drinking tea?

With the popularity of Gongfu tea, people are drinking tea "increasingly hotter." What is the best temperature for drinking tea?

People drink tea for health benefits, but drinking tea that is too hot can increase the incidence of cancers such as esophageal cancer. A study from Iran showed that when tea temperature is between 65°C and 69°C, the risk of esophageal cancer doubles. Once the tea temperature exceeds 70°C, the incidence of esophageal cancer increases eightfold. It is recommended to drink tea at a temperature between 50°C and 60°C, not exceeding 70°C.