"What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Consuming Chrysanthemum and Goji Berry Tea?"
Chrysanthemum and Goji Berry Tea
Chrysanthemum and Goji Berry Tea is a widely consumed beverage known for its health-promoting properties. Prepared by infusing goji berries and chrysanthemums in hot water, with optional rock sugar for flavor, regular consumption of this tea is beneficial for boosting the immune system. However, there are several considerations to keep in mind when indulging in this tea. Let's delve into its benefits and drawbacks.
1. Benefits of Chrysanthemum and Goji Berry Tea
Goji berries, native to Solanaceae plants, are renowned for their medicinal and nutritional qualities. Listed as a superior medicinal material in traditional texts, goji berries are known for their sweet taste and neutral nature, nourishing the kidneys and lungs, enhancing vital essence, and strengthening qi. They are particularly effective in nourishing the liver and kidneys, improving eyesight, and are traditionally used to address male health concerns. In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys play a pivotal role in maintaining overall health.
Chrysanthemums, hailed as the "Fairy of Flowers" and one of China's ten renowned flowers, possess a bitter-sweet taste with a slightly cool nature. Consuming chrysanthemum tea aids in dispelling wind, clearing heat, soothing the liver, improving eyesight, and detoxifying the body. For office workers prone to eye fatigue and dryness due to prolonged computer use, chrysanthemum tea can alleviate these symptoms and help reduce internal heat.
2. Drawbacks of Chrysanthemum and Goji Berry Tea
While chrysanthemum and goji berry tea offer numerous health benefits, not everyone may be suited for its consumption. For example, individuals with a hot constitution should exercise caution when adding rock sugar to the tea, as it may diminish its cooling effects. Conversely, those with a cold or weak constitution may find that a small amount of rock sugar balances the tea's properties, making it more suitable for their bodies. Alternatively, dried fruit can be used as a healthier sweetener option.
3. Precautions for Drinking Chrysanthemum and Goji Berry Tea
When consuming chrysanthemum and goji berry tea, certain precautions should be observed. Firstly, it is recommended to drink the tea freshly prepared and avoid leaving it overnight. This is because the flavonoids present in the tea, responsible for its antioxidant properties and health benefits, are highly unstable and prone to oxidation. Oxidation can lead to a loss of the tea's original yellow color, turning it green, and a decrease in its nutritional value. Therefore, preparing and consuming the tea immediately is advisable.
Secondly, individuals with a hot constitution should refrain from adding excessive rock sugar to the tea, as it may weaken its cooling effects. On the contrary, for those with a cold or weak constitution, a small amount of rock sugar can help balance the tea's properties, making it more compatible with their bodies. However, it's worth noting that using dried fruit as a sweetener is a healthier substitute for rock sugar.
In summary, chrysanthemum and goji berry tea offers a plethora of health benefits but should be consumed mindfully, considering individual constitution and preferences. By adhering to the aforementioned precautions, one can fully enjoy the tea's advantages while minimizing any potential drawbacks.