Tea has countless benefits, but drinking too much of these nine types can cause illness.
“Medicines are cures for various diseases, tea is the cure for all.” This saying long ago established tea leaves‘ position in 5,000 years of Chinese culture. However, drinking tea is no shallow subject. Drink it right for health and well-being, drink it wrong and you may fall ill! Here are ten types of tea that should not be consumed:
Spoiled Tea
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Tea, at its core, is an agricultural product with a shelf life. If not stored properly, tea can absorb moisture and mold. Spoiled tea contains large amounts of substances harmful to the human body and bacteria, and should absolutely not be drunk. Even high-quality tea, if left too long after brewing, will spoil due to oxidation and microbial growth, and should not be consumed.
Burnt Tea
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Over-roasted tea loses most of its nutrients and does not taste good.
Over-Steeped Tea
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If tea is steeped for too long, the polyphenols, lipids, and fragrant compounds in the tea oxidize automatically. The tea becomes dark, tastes bad, and smells weak, losing its value as a beverage. Furthermore, the vitamin C, vitamin P, and amino acids in the tea oxidize, significantly reducing the nutritional value of the tea. Additionally, because the tea is left out for a long time, it becomes contaminated by the surrounding environment, and there is an increase in microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) in the tea, making it unhygienic.
Overnight Tea
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Tea contains a large amount of protein, most of which does not dissolve in hot water and remains in the leaves. At higher temperatures, the proteins on the tea leaves can spoil. After sitting overnight, enzymes can form along with the large amount of tannic acid remaining in the tea, which can turn into potent oxidants that irritate the stomach and intestines, causing inflammation.
Cold Tea
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Tea is best drunk warm or hot, as it can improve hearing and vision. Cold tea, on the other hand, can have a chilling effect on the body and lead to the accumulation of phlegm.
Scalding Tea
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Tea is generally brewed with hot water, but should not be drunk when the water is too hot. Drinking very hot tea can strongly irritate the throat, esophagus, and stomach. Long-term consumption of excessively hot tea may cause disease in these organs. According to foreign research, people who regularly drink tea above 62°C are more likely to suffer damage to their stomach lining, leading to symptoms of gastric disease. The ideal temperature for drinking tea is below 56°C.
Tainted Tea
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When tea is stored near other strong-smelling items, it can absorb those odors. Some of these odors may be toxic, such as paint or camphor.
Strong Tea
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Strong tea contains large amounts of Caffeine and theobromine, which are highly stimulating. Drinking strong tea can lead to Insomnia, headaches, ringing in the ears, and blurred vision, and can also be harmful to the digestive system. Some people may experience nausea after drinking strong tea.
Raw Tea
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So-called raw tea refers to green tea that has been dried without rolling after being steamed. This type of tea retains its natural green color and has a pronounced raw, grassy aroma. Drinking this Green Tea can strongly irritate the stomach lining in older individuals, potentially causing stomach pain. Younger people may also experience discomfort in the stomach, commonly referred to as “scratching the stomach.”
If you mistakenly purchase this type of raw tea, it is best not to brew and drink it directly. Instead, place it in an oil-free iron pan and slowly roast it over a low flame until the raw, grassy aroma dissipates and a light chestnut fragrance develops. It can then be safely consumed.