The health benefits of tea are numerous; it can prevent cardiovascular diseases, lower cholesterol levels, boost the immune system, enhance antibacterial capabilities, and aid in weight loss. Although regular tea consumption is generally beneficial to health, choosing the right type of tea according to one's condition can maximize its health benefits.
Especially for female friends when drinking tea, it is crucial to understand their own constitution and the nature of the tea. What are the things women should be mindful of when drinking tea?
Note One: Drink Tea According to Constitution and Nature of the Tea
Chinese Tea is categorized into six types: green tea, Black Tea (red tea in China), yellow tea, White Tea, oolong tea, and dark tea (Pu'er). Each category has a different nature, and thus, different effects on the human body. Therefore, it is important to choose the appropriate type of tea based on your constitution.
Oolong tea (green tea) is neutral and suitable for most people. Dark tea (Pu'er tea) is warm-natured and helps eliminate grease, detoxify meat products, and lower cholesterol levels; it tastes better and becomes more effective after being stored for a while. Black tea (red tea) is warm-natured and is recommended for those with cold stomachs, cold hands and feet, weak constitutions, or older individuals. Green tea is cool, making it suitable for people with a hot constitution, high gastric heat, or abundant energy; it also provides excellent protection against radiation, making it ideal for those who work frequently on computers. White tea is cool, and its suitable population is similar to that of green tea. Yellow tea is cool, and its effects are largely similar to those of green tea.
Note Two: Prefer Fermented Over Unfermented Tea
Both unfermented and fermented teas have similar weight-loss effects, but not everyone is suited to drink unfermented tea, especially those with a cold constitution. Therefore, we recommend women drink Fermented tea. For optimal weight-loss results, the tea should be brewed strong; fermented tea remains pleasant to drink even when brewed strong, without becoming bitter or astringent.
Note Three: Avoid Tea During Menstruation
Women should avoid drinking tea during menstruation. Menstrual blood carries away some iron, so women during this period should eat iron-rich foods such as spinach, apples, grapes, and other fruits and vegetables high in iron. Tea contains up to 40% Tannic acid, which hinders the absorption of iron by the intestinal mucosa and easily forms precipitates when combined with dietary iron or iron supplements in the gut. Therefore, women should refrain from drinking tea during menstruation.
Note Four: Avoid Strong Tea During Pregnancy
Strong tea contains a high concentration of caffeine (up to 10%), which can exacerbate urination and heart rate in pregnant women, increasing the burden on the heart and kidneys, potentially leading to preeclampsia, which is detrimental to both mother and fetus.
Note Five: Avoid Tea Near Delivery
Consuming too much strong tea close to delivery can cause insomnia due to the stimulating effect of caffeine. Insufficient sleep before labor can lead to exhaustion and weakness during contractions, potentially resulting in difficult labor.
Note Six: Limit Tea Intake While Breastfeeding
After childbirth, if a woman plans to breastfeed, she should not consume large amounts of tea. High concentrations of tannic acid in tea can be absorbed by the mucous membranes and enter the bloodstream, potentially inhibiting the secretion of breast milk.
Note Seven: Limit Tea Intake During Menopause
As women approach menopause around age 45, they may experience symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, increased heart rate, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and menstrual irregularities. Excessive tea consumption can exacerbate these symptoms, making the transition through menopause less comfortable.
Note Eight: Drink Tea According to Season
Depending on the seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—the choice of tea can vary. In spring, when the body is in a state of release, it is advisable to drink naturally fermented and warm-natured Pu'er tea. During the hot summer, unfermented tea is recommended as it can help reduce inflammation, cool the body, and invigorate the heart. In autumn, when the air is dry, it is suitable to drink neutral teas; lightly fermented Pu'er tea is recommended. In the cold winter, drinking fermented tea can help improve resistance to illness.