"Can Puer Tea Aid in Weight Loss? Tips on How to Drink Puer Tea for Weight Reduction"
Pu'er Tea for Weight Loss and Its Health Considerations
The large-leaf polyphenols in Pu'er tea can accelerate the consumption of a certain amount of glycogen and fatty acids, particularly in raw Pu'er tea. Excessive glycogen consumption enhances fat catabolism, with abdominal and calf fat being the first to be affected. Pu'er tea may have a slightly stimulating effect, which can be balanced by drinking it with white chrysanthemum. However, women should be mindful of certain aspects when using Pu'er tea for weight loss.
Principles of Pu'er Tea for Weight Loss
1. Chemical Effects
Before Pu'er tea's weight-loss properties became widely known, green tea and oolong tea were recognized for their slimming effects. These effects were mainly attributed to substances like tea polyphenols, catechins, chlorophyll, and vitamin C. Tea polyphenols aid in removing grease, chlorophyll hinders cholesterol absorption, and vitamin C promotes cholesterol excretion. These substances are natural and have no side effects on the body. Green tea and oolong tea also contain these substances, contributing to their weight-loss properties.
2. Physical Effects
Research shows that Pu'er tea can reduce the contractile range and frequency of isolated intestinal segments. A decrease in small intestinal contractility implies insufficient digestion of chyme and reduced absorption of nutrients. Furthermore, Pu'er tea relaxes the intestinal wall, allowing each peristaltic wave to propel chyme further, thereby shortening its residence time in the intestine and minimizing nutrient absorption. This results in consuming more food with less nutrient absorption.
Methods of Consuming Pu'er Tea for Weight Loss
1. Daily Infusion
Replace all beverages with Pu'er tea, using it as a substitute for soup and water. Avoid other drinks and snacks, maintaining normal eating habits. This helps maintain body shape and weight.
2. Overnight Infusion and Morning Consumption
In addition, brew a cup overnight and drink it on an empty stomach in the morning. This method promotes rapid weight loss.
3. Drinking During Meals
When attending social events or dinners, drink Pu'er tea during meals to minimize calorie absorption. If not convenient, drink it as soon as possible after meals, preferably within two hours. The earlier, the more effective. If drinking tea in a teahouse, opt for Pu'er tea.
Precautions for Women Using Pu'er Tea for Weight Loss
Many women prefer using Pu'er tea for weight loss, drinking several cups daily. However, there are several considerations to keep in mind:
1. During Menstruation
Menstrual blood consumes significant iron levels, so females should consume iron-rich vegetables and fruits during this time. However, post-meal tea consumption, particularly with its high tannin content (up to 50%), hinders iron absorption, reducing its effectiveness. This can lead to iron precipitation or formation of iron stones in the intestine.
2. During Pregnancy
Pregnant women should avoid tea, especially strong tea, as its caffeine content (up to 10%) can increase urine output, heart rate, and cardiovascular and renal load, potentially leading to pregnancy-induced toxicity.
3. Before Delivery
Excessive tea consumption before delivery can cause excitement and insomnia due to caffeine. Insufficient sleep may lead to fatigue during childbirth or even difficult labor.
4. Postpartum
Women who intend to breastfeed should limit tea consumption as high concentrations of tannin can be absorbed by the mucosa, affecting breast circulation, inhibiting milk secretion, and causing insufficient lactation.
5. During Lactation
Caffeine in tea can pass into breast milk, indirectly affecting the baby's health.
6. During Menopause
Menopausal women may experience symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, irritability, and poor sleep quality. Excessive tea consumption can exacerbate these symptoms.
7. For Patients with Ulcers