We enjoy Drinking Tea, not only because it is a traditional dietary habit in our country, but there are many reasons for drinking Tea: for health preservation and fitness, as a habit, or simply because we enjoy the ambiance of tea-drinking. Pu'er tea is one of the common types of tea we come across, and many people enjoy drinking it. Although Pu'er tea is good, there are still some precautions to be aware of. So what are the benefits and precautions of drinking Pu'er tea?
The Benefits of Drinking Pu'er Tea
1. Lipid-lowering: The tea contains components such as tea polyphenols, Vitamin C, and vitamin P, which have a good effect on preventing and treating high lipid levels. Drinking Pu'er tea can cause physiological effects such as vasodilation, decreased blood pressure, slowed heart rate, and reduced cerebral blood flow. It also has a good effect on softening blood vessels.
2. Cancer Prevention: The vitamin C and vitamin E in tea can block the synthesis of carcinogenic nitrosamines, playing a significant role in cancer prevention. Additionally, studies involving large populations show that those with a habit of drinking tea have a relatively lower risk of developing cancer.
3. Teeth Protection: Pu'er tea contains active ingredients such as fluoride, which can help protect teeth. Regularly rinsing your mouth with tea water can also effectively address issues like bad breath.
4. Anti-Aging: Catechins in tea have an anti-aging effect. Polyphenolic compounds can prevent excessive oxidation, achieving the purpose of anti-aging. Moreover, the content of these compounds in Pu'er tea is relatively higher than in other tea varieties.
5. Quenching Thirst: Components such as tea polyphenols, sugars, amino acids, pectin, and vitamins in tea can quench thirst. Also, moderate and scientific consumption of tea can form a protective layer on the surface of the stomach, helping to protect it.
6. Weight Loss: Pu'er tea can reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the human body, achieving weight loss effects; Pu'er tea can regulate metabolism, promote blood circulation, adjust bodily functions, and achieve weight loss effects.
7. Hangover Relief: The primary component in alcohol is ethanol, while the tea polyphenols in tea can counteract ethanol, achieving a hangover relief effect.
8. Diuretic Effect: Tea contains substances like Caffeine and theophylline, which have a diuretic effect.
9. Protects Against Radiation: Studies have shown that drinking Pu'er tea can reduce radiation damage.
The Drawbacks of Drinking Pu'er Tea
1. Avoid New Teas: Since new teas are stored for a short time, they contain a large amount of unoxidized polyphenols, aldehydes, and alcohols, which can strongly stimulate the gastrointestinal mucosa and easily induce digestive issues. Therefore, new teas should be consumed sparingly, and teas aged less than half a month should be avoided. Consuming them could lead to numerous negative effects;
2. Avoid Drinking on an Empty Stomach: Drinking tea on an empty stomach can dilute gastric juices, reducing digestive function. As water absorption rates are high, this can cause a large amount of adverse components to enter the bloodstream, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and weakness in the limbs;
3. Avoid Drinking When Feverish: Tea contains theophylline, which can raise body temperature. Drinking tea when feverish is akin to “pouring oil on the fire.”
4. Ulcer Patients Should Avoid Tea: The caffeine in tea can stimulate gastric acid secretion, increasing its concentration and potentially causing ulcers or perforations.
5. Women During Menstruation Should Avoid Tea: Drinking tea during menstruation, especially strong tea, can trigger or exacerbate premenstrual syndrome. Research has found that compared to non-tea drinkers, the likelihood of experiencing premenstrual syndrome is 2.4 times higher among those who drink tea, and increases by three times for those who consume more than four cups per day.
Pu'er tea can aid digestion and absorption, promoting physical growth in children. Fluoride in tea can prevent tooth decay, and Pu'er tea can regulate the nervous system, improving children's concentration. For adolescents prone to overeating or picky eating, leading to deficiencies in certain nutrients (such as zinc deficiency causing stunted growth or manganese deficiency affecting bone development), tea infusions are rich in essential minerals required for growth and metabolism. Moderate consumption of Pu'er tea can help alleviate intestinal tension, enhance small intestine movement, and increase bile and intestinal juice secretion. Pu'er tea is a popular beverage. Apart from certain special groups and specific periods for women where tea consumption is not recommended, Pu'er tea is generally suitable for most people to drink.