Tea has a multitude of health benefits, including the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, lowering cholesterol levels, boosting immunity, enhancing antibacterial properties, and aiding in weight loss. Although regular tea consumption is beneficial to the body, choosing the right type of tea based on one's condition can maximize its health effects.
When drinking tea, female friends should especially be aware of their constitution and the nature of the tea they are consuming. So what should women pay attention to when drinking tea?
Note 1: Drink Tea According to Constitution and Nature of the Tea
Chinese Tea is divided into six categories: Green Tea, Black Tea (note: this term refers to what is known as ‘red tea' in Western cultures), Yellow Tea, White Tea, Oolong Tea, Pu'er Tea. Each category of tea has different properties and thus affects the body differently, so it is important to choose a suitable type of tea based on one's constitution.
Oolong tea (also known as greenish-black tea) is neutral in nature and suitable for most people. Pu'er tea is warm in nature and helps eliminate grease, detoxify meat products, and lower cholesterol levels; it is best enjoyed after being stored for some time, which enhances both taste and efficacy. Black tea (in Western contexts, ‘black tea' refers to what is known as ‘red tea' in China) is warm in nature and is suitable for those with cold stomachs, cold hands and feet, weak constitutions, or older individuals. Green tea is cool in nature and is suitable for those with a hot constitution, high stomach fire, or abundant energy, as well as for those who work frequently on computers due to its excellent radiation protection effects. White tea is cool in nature and is suitable for similar groups as green tea. Yellow tea is cool in nature and has effects similar to those of green tea.
Note 2: Drink Fermented Tea Instead of Unfermented Tea
Both unfermented and fermented teas have similar weight-loss effects, but drinking unfermented tea for weight loss is not suitable for everyone, particularly for those with a cold constitution. Therefore, it is recommended that women drink fermented tea. To achieve good weight-loss results, the tea should be quite strong. Fermented tea does not become bitter or astringent even when brewed strongly, making it pleasant to drink.
Note 3: Do Not Drink Tea During Menstruation
Women should avoid drinking tea during menstruation. Menstrual blood carries away some iron, and at this time, women should consume foods rich in iron, such as spinach, apples, and grapes. Moreover, tea contains about 40% tannic acid, which can inhibit the absorption of iron by the intestinal mucosa. In the intestine, tannic acid easily binds with dietary iron or iron from supplements, forming insoluble compounds. Therefore, women are better off not drinking tea during menstruation.
Note 4: Avoid Drinking 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 mother's heart and kidneys and potentially leading to preeclampsia, which is detrimental to the health of both mother and fetus.
Note 5: Do Not Drink Tea Before Labor
Drinking too much strong tea before labor can cause insomnia due to the stimulating effects of caffeine. If a woman does not get enough sleep before delivery, she may experience exhaustion and lack of strength during labor, which could lead to complications.
Note 6: Do Not Drink Large Amounts of Tea While Breastfeeding
After childbirth, if a woman plans to breastfeed, she should not drink large amounts of tea. High concentrations of tannic acid in tea can be absorbed by the mucous membranes into the bloodstream, producing astringent and inhibitory effects on breast milk secretion, leading to insufficient milk supply.
Note 7: Do Not Overconsume Tea During Menopause
Women typically enter menopause around the age of 45. During this transition, they may experience symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, emotional instability, sleep disturbances, and menstrual disorders. Overconsumption of tea can exacerbate these symptoms and hinder a smooth transition through menopause.
Note 8: Drink Tea According to the Season
Based on the differences between spring, summer, autumn, and winter, there are also considerations for drinking tea according to the seasons. In spring, when the body is in a state of release, it is recommended to drink naturally fermented and warm-natured Pu'er tea. Summer is hot, and drinking unfermented tea is suitable as it can help reduce inflammation and heat, and also invigorate the heart and mind. Autumn is dry, and it is appropriate to drink teas that are neutral in nature, such as lightly fermented Pu'er tea. Winter is cold, and drinking fermented tea can enhance disease resistance.
