Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Pu-erh tea has a bitter and sweet flavor and a cool nature, entering the heart, lung, and stomach meridians. It has the functions of clearing heat and relieving restlessness, refreshing the mind, promoting digestion, and facilitating urination. It is suitable for symptoms such as fever-induced thirst, headaches due to wind-heat, indigestion, and difficult urination. Modern pharmacological research has found that Pu-erh tea can help reduce blood lipids and aid in weight loss, lower blood pressure, prevent arteriosclerosis, fight cancer and tumors, protect the stomach, strengthen teeth and protect oral health, reduce inflammation and kill bacteria, and combat aging. In addition to direct consumption, Pu-erh tea can also be used in cooking for dietary therapy.

However, it is important to consume it in moderation and avoid the following: drinking large amounts on an empty stomach, which can harm the stomach; drinking tea that is too strong, as excessive stimulation may cause "tea drunkenness"; drinking tea that is too hot, as repeated irritation of the throat and esophagus may lead to organ damage; drinking tea that has been steeped for too long; drinking large amounts before meals; taking medicine with tea; drinking large amounts before bedtime; drinking the first infusion of tea; and drinking low-quality or spoiled tea. Below are 12 health secrets of Pu-erh tea.

1. Natural Health Beverage

After the anti-cancer and health benefits of Pu-erh tea were confirmed by the medical community, tea enthusiasts gained more confidence. Pu-erh tea's pharmacological properties of reducing fat and aiding digestion, as well as its weight loss and slimming effects, have attracted countless beauty and fitness enthusiasts. Middle-aged individuals struggling with weight gain particularly rely on Pu-erh tea. Drinking it hot soothes the stomach and is most effective for treating constipation and frequent urination. Pu-erh tea also helps replenish qi and strengthen essence, making it beneficial for conditions like male impotence and prostatitis. The longer Pu-erh tea is aged (stored), the better its effects on replenishing qi and strengthening yang.

2. Preventing and Treating Coronary Heart Disease

Coronary heart disease, also known as coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. Drinking tea is effective in preventing and treating coronary heart disease. According to statistical data, the incidence of coronary heart disease is 3.1% among non-tea drinkers, 2.3% among occasional tea drinkers, and only 1.4% among regular tea drinkers (those who have been drinking for over three years). Additionally, the worsening of coronary heart disease is related to insufficient coronary blood supply and thrombosis. Catechins in tea polyphenols and tea pigments formed during the oxidation of tea polyphenols during brewing have been shown in animal and in vitro experiments to have significant anticoagulant, fibrinolytic, and antithrombotic effects.

3. Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, and Treating Dysentery

Medical research and clinical trials have shown that Pu-erh tea has antibacterial effects. Taking concentrated tea infusion ten times daily can treat bacterial dysentery, which is directly related to the rich tea polyphenols found in Yunnan large-leaf tea.

4. Lowering Blood Pressure

Hypertension refers to an increase in systolic or diastolic blood pressure beyond normal levels. Arteriosclerosis not only leads to coronary heart disease but is also closely related to hypertension. Lowering blood pressure means reducing blood pressure. Components in tea such as tea polyphenols, vitamin C, and vitamin P are effective in preventing and treating hypertension. In particular, tea polyphenols, catechins, and theaflavins significantly inhibit the activity of angiotensin-converting enzyme, directly lowering blood pressure.

5. Anti-aging

During the processing of Pu-erh tea, large-molecule polysaccharides are converted into a large number of new soluble monosaccharides and oligosaccharides, and vitamin C increases severalfold. These substances play an important role in enhancing the function of the human immune system, contributing to health preservation, physical fitness, and longevity.

6. Deep Detoxification and Body Firming

Pu-erh tea can promote saliva production, quench thirst, relieve heat, detoxify, and aid bowel movements. It is especially suitable for those struggling with constipation. With the help of Pu-erh tea, the gastrointestinal tract can be regulated and normal function restored, completely solving problems like acne caused by constipation and the "ladies' killer"—bad breath.

7. Healthy Weight Loss

To lose weight, remember to drink Pu-erh tea half an hour after a meal. This is because Pu-erh tea can help remove grease and promptly eliminate excess fat from the body after consuming oily meals. Drinking Pu-erh tea half an hour before a meal, however, will have the opposite effect of promoting weight gain.

8. The Mild Nature of Pu-erh Tea

Urban life often involves tension, high work pressure, irregular eating habits, common stomach issues, and deficiencies in qi and blood. Pu-erh tea is an excellent remedy for nourishing the stomach and replenishing qi. The caffeine in Pu-erh tea, after years of aging and fermentation, does not cause excitement after consumption. In the past, Empress Dowager Cixi had the habit of drinking Pu-erh tea at night.

9. Strengthening Teeth and Protecting Oral Health

Pu-erh tea contains many physiologically active components with antibacterial and disinfecting effects. Experts have found that Pu-erh tea helps prevent the formation of dental plaque.

10. Radiation Protection

Research results show that drinking 2% Pu-erh tea infusion can alleviate damage caused by cobalt-60 radiation.

11. Nourishing and Protecting the Stomach

At an appropriate concentration, drinking mild Pu-erh tea does not irritate the gastrointestinal tract. The thick, smooth, and mellow Pu-erh tea forms a protective film on the surface of the stomach after entering the body, providing beneficial protection. Long-term consumption of Pu-erh tea can help nourish and protect the stomach.

12. Promoting Sleep, an Excellent Health Product

Although it is only a small difference in brewing method, it can lead to completely different results.

Pu-erh tea is best consumed before bedtime. When drinking Pu-erh tea before sleep, remember to use the brewing method rather than steeping. After pouring hot water and brewing the tea, separate the tea leaves from the tea infusion to keep the leaves dry. Do not let the tea leaves soak in water for an extended period. Brewing can calm the nerves and help you sleep better, while steeping has the opposite effect, making you more alert and清醒.

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