Pu'er Tea is a type of tea enjoyed by many, known for its rich flavor and gentle effect on the stomach, making it perfect for consumption after meals to aid digestion. While drinking Pu'er tea has numerous Health benefits, there are certain taboos to be aware of.
1. Avoid New Tea:
Newly produced tea contains higher levels of unoxidized polyphenols, aldehydes, and alcohols, which can strongly stimulate the gastrointestinal mucosa and potentially cause gastric issues.
Therefore, new tea should be consumed sparingly, and tea less than half a month old should be avoided altogether.
2. Drinking on an Empty Stomach:
Drinking tea on an empty stomach can dilute gastric juices, impairing digestive function. The high water absorption rate at this time can lead to a significant influx of undesirable components from the tea into the bloodstream, causing symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and weakness—a condition known as “tea drunkenness.”
3. Drinking While Feverish:
The presence of theophylline in tea can elevate body temperature, making it counterproductive for feverish individuals, akin to “adding fuel to the fire.”
4. During Menstruation:
Drinking tea during menstruation, especially strong tea, can trigger or exacerbate menstrual syndrome. Medical research suggests that women who drink tea regularly are 2.4 times more likely to experience menstrual tension compared to non-tea drinkers, with the risk tripling for those consuming more than four cups daily.
5. Liver Disease Patients Should Avoid Tea:
Caffeine and other substances in tea are primarily metabolized by the liver. Excessive tea consumption can overload the liver and potentially harm liver tissue in individuals with liver disease.
6. Pregnant Women Should Avoid Tea, Particularly Strong Varieties:
Tannins and caffeine present in tea may have adverse effects on fetal development within the womb. To ensure normal cognitive development and minimize caffeine's stimulating impact on the fetus, pregnant women should limit or abstain from tea consumption.
7. Insomnia Sufferers:
Given Pu'er tea's invigorating properties, those suffering from insomnia should avoid drinking it before bedtime.
Pu'er tea is a popular beverage that, when consumed regularly, can enhance the immune system and accelerate metabolism, benefiting overall health.
However, tea consumption should be tailored to individual needs. Choosing the right tea and being aware of taboos and precautions can contribute to a healthier tea-drinking experience.