Pu'er Tea is one of Yunnan's specialties. In recent years, Yunnan Pu'er tea has become increasingly popular among tea enthusiasts, not only because of its numerous benefits but also due to its taste and aged aroma. Pu'er tea represents a healthy beverage in China, known for its unique flavor and effects. So, what are the benefits and drawbacks of drinking Pu'er tea? Let's take a look.
Firstly, the benefits of drinking Pu'er tea are becoming more widely recognized. Pu'er tea is the only post-fermented tea, and during this long fermentation process, substances such as caffeine and polyphenols are broken down. As a result, it has a mild character and does not irritate the body. Instead, it promotes metabolism and accelerates the digestion and transformation of fat and toxins in the body.
Secondly, the better our living standards become, the more we struggle with excess fat. Pu'er tea is well-known for its “fat-cutting” effects. Even Mr. Lu Xun, when he was young and experienced digestive discomfort after a big meal, would drink a small portion of Pu'er tea. Today, issues such as obesity and the “three highs” (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar) that plague urban dwellers can be alleviated by Pu'er tea, which helps detoxify the body, nourish the stomach, reduce inflammation, lower cholesterol, eliminate fat and greasiness, and aid in weight loss and beauty. The Health benefits of Pu'er tea are unparalleled. Problems often associated with drinking other teas, such as stomach upset, insomnia, and frequent urination, do not occur with Pu'er tea; instead, it has a stomach-nourishing and sleep-promoting effect, which is quite remarkable.
The following situations may lead to drawbacks from drinking Pu'er tea regularly:
First, drinking new tea frequently can induce gastric problems. New tea contains a higher concentration of unoxidized polyphenols, aldehydes, and alcohols, which can strongly stimulate the gastrointestinal mucosa. Therefore, new tea should be consumed sparingly, and tea less than half a month old should be avoided, as drinking it could cause many adverse effects.
Second, Drinking Tea on an empty stomach can dilute gastric juices, reducing digestive function. Since water absorption is high, it can lead to large amounts of undesirable components entering the bloodstream, causing symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and weakness in the limbs.
Third, drinking tea while having a fever is akin to “pouring oil on the fire,” as the tea alkaloids can raise body temperature and significantly reduce or even eliminate the cooling effects of medication.
Fourth, if you suffer from frequent peptic ulcers, you should drink less tea. The caffeine in tea can promote gastric acid secretion, increasing its concentration and potentially leading to ulcers or perforations.
Fifth, if you often experience constipation, you should avoid drinking tea. The polyphenols in tea can have a certain astringent effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa, worsening constipation.
Sixth, if you frequently suffer from insomnia, you should also avoid drinking tea. The caffeine in tea can cause significant excitement of the cerebral cortex, making it difficult for the brain to rest.
Seventh, if you have iron-deficiency anemia, you should drink less tea. The tannic acid in tea can cause the iron in food to precipitate into a form that cannot be absorbed by the body, exacerbating anemia.
Eighth, women should be aware that the alkaloids in tea can inhibit the absorption of calcium by the duodenum, leading to calcium deficiency and osteoporosis, which can make fractures harder to heal. Women over 30, who experience faster calcium loss, should consider supplementing calcium if they drink a lot of tea.
Ninth, pregnant women should avoid drinking tea. The caffeine concentration in strong tea can reach up to 10%, increasing urine output and heart rate, placing additional strain on the heart and kidneys of pregnant women and potentially leading to pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Tenth, women should avoid drinking tea during menstruation, especially strong tea, as it can trigger or worsen premenstrual syndrome. Medical experts have found that compared to non-tea drinkers, those who regularly drink tea have a 2.4 times higher chance of developing premenstrual syndrome, with the risk tripling for those who drink more than four cups per day.
While there are indeed many benefits to drinking Pu'er tea, these can only be realized through correct and reasonable consumption. Incorrect tea-drinking habits can lead to negative outcomes. Therefore, we should approach Tea drinking with care, enjoying it scientifically and healthily to gain more pleasure and maintain good health.