Tea Culture and Its Benefits in China

Tea has a long history in China, and many elderly people and young people alike enjoy drinking it during their leisure time, considering it a graceful and healthy practice. However, there are many considerations when it comes to tea drinking, and it is not simply about drinking tea to achieve health benefits. There are many details that need to be taken seriously. Therefore, it is important to have some understanding of the dos and don'ts of tea drinking to avoid falling into misunderstandings that may harm the body.

Notes and Misunderstandings of Tea Drinking for Health

1. The fresher the new tea, the better. New tea tastes refreshing, but drinking it frequently can lead to heatiness due to its high content of tea polyphenols and caffeine, which can cause discomfort in the stomach.

2. Drinking tea after meals. Many people believe that drinking tea after meals can help reduce the greasy feeling, but the tea polyphenols in tea can affect the absorption of iron and protein in food. It is generally recommended to wait at least an hour after meals before drinking tea.

3. Tea can sober up. There are many controversies surrounding this belief. While tea can accelerate the metabolism of alcohol in the body and excrete it through urine, it can also burden the liver and kidneys. People with poor liver or kidney function are advised not to use tea as a sobering agent.

4. Brewing tea in paper cups or thermos flasks. Many people do not pay attention to the proper way of brewing tea. Using paper cups to brew tea is incorrect because the wax coating on the cups can dissolve and affect the taste of the tea. Brewing tea in a thermos flask can keep the tea at a high temperature, making it bitter and altering its flavor.

5. Chewing tea leaves. Some people mistakenly believe that chewing used tea leaves can be beneficial to health. However, tea leaves contain trace amounts of metals such as lead, and chewing them can ingest these metals, potentially causing harm to the body.

The Benefits of Different Types of Tea

1. Black tea. Black tea should be brewed with boiling water and allowed to steep for a few minutes before drinking. Glass cups are suitable for brewing black tea. It is important to note that new black tea should not be consumed immediately; it is better to let it age for a while. Black tea is especially suitable for consumption in winter, as it can warm the stomach and promote digestion. However, it is not suitable for people with poor digestion or nervous weakness.

2. Green tea. When drinking green tea, it is important to pay attention to the water temperature. Green tea should be brewed at a temperature of 85 degrees Celsius and allowed to steep for about 2 minutes. Porcelain cups are suitable for brewing green tea. It is advisable to avoid drinking green tea on an empty stomach as it is raw and can stimulate the gastric mucosa, as well as affect the absorption of iron and protein in food.

3. Dark tea. When drinking dark tea, it is important to use boiling water for brewing. Zisha teapots are suitable for brewing dark tea. Dark tea has the effects of lowering blood sugar and blood lipids. It is generally consumed after meals and can help reduce greasiness. Dark tea is suitable for people with a cold constitution.

4. White tea. White tea is suitable for people who frequently use their brains as it has the effects of enhancing memory and protecting the liver and stomach. When brewing white tea, it is important not to make it too strong, and the water temperature should be controlled at around 95 degrees Celsius. White tea can also be combined with ingredients such as rock sugar to help with conditions like heatiness and constipation. However, it is not suitable for people with urinary stones.