Often, friends ask me: Is it better to drink raw Puer Tea or ripe Puer tea for weight loss? To compare which type of Puer tea is more effective for weight loss, we need to understand the mechanism behind Puer tea's weight-loss and fat-lowering effects. The weight-loss and fat-lowering benefits of Puer tea mainly come from two factors:
Firstly, these effects are due to a combination of active components including tea polyphenols, chlorophyll, vitamin C, and more.
Secondly, they result from the synergistic action of various beneficial bacteria formed during Fermentation (these bacteria can reduce the absorption of triglycerides and sugars in the small intestine and enhance the enzymes that break down abdominal fat).
The initial stages of raw Puer tea (within 1-2 years without significant fermentation) rely on the first factor for its weight-loss benefits. As it naturally ferments over time (which happens quickly in high-Humidity environments, with noticeable changes occurring after just one year of storage), its weight-loss effects start to be influenced by both factors. Ripe Puer tea, which undergoes artificial fermentation, benefits from both factors for weight loss and lowering cholesterol. Therefore, overall, fermented Puer tea (whether artificially fermented ripe tea or naturally fermented raw tea) tends to have better weight-loss and cholesterol-lowering effects than freshly produced raw tea that has not yet begun to ferment.
Which is More Effective: Raw or Ripe?
Raw Puer tea, like Green Tea, is inherently cool in nature, so those with cold stomachs or digestive issues should avoid it! Only ripe Puer tea has the properties to nourish and protect the stomach.
Regarding weight loss, Puer tea does indeed have weight-loss effects, but whether it works effectively varies from person to person. I always advocate a rational approach to Puer tea, as it is not a weight-loss drug. The primary role of Puer tea in weight loss is through regulating the digestive system, thereby enhancing the digestion and absorption of fat, leading to the consumption of fat, often referred to as “scraping oil.” However, if you are not actually overweight but merely feel so, Puer tea will not be able to help. Additionally, drinking Puer tea requires long-term commitment; there won't be noticeable results in the short term, so don't give up too quickly thinking it's ineffective.
To use an imperfect analogy, taking weight-loss pills and drinking Puer tea is like receiving intravenous fluids versus taking Chinese medicine. Intravenous fluids may provide quick relief, but they might not address the root cause and could have side effects. Chinese medicine, while slower, can adjust your body and generally has fewer or no side effects. Does this make sense?
Due to its ability to regulate the digestive system, even thin people can drink Puer tea, and it might even improve their digestion and absorption, making them healthier and stronger! In summary, drinking Puer tea will make you healthier, provided you do so correctly and consistently over time.
Drinking Puer tea for weight loss may reduce body fat and change your body shape, but it might not necessarily lead to weight loss! My friend is a good example: her weight didn't decrease, but her waist and hips became smaller, forcing her to buy new pants. I'm also looking forward to that day!
Puer tea is indeed not a weight-loss drug or a weight-loss product like industrial products. Therefore, it's important to take a rational view of Puer tea for weight loss. No one can guarantee how much weight you'll lose by drinking Puer tea! However, it cannot be denied that Puer tea does have weight-loss effects, although the results may vary from person to person. More importantly, drinking Puer tea for weight loss is healthy; it won't make you abnormally thin or frail. Puer tea only removes excess fat, not all of it. (Source: Yunnan Puer Tea, Image Source: Tea Friends Network)