"What Are the Top 10 Potential Drawbacks of Drinking Puer Tea?"
There is no consensus on the existence of ten major harms associated with drinking Pu'er tea. Although Pu'er tea is praised as a healthy beverage, excessive or improper consumption may lead to certain health issues, including disrupted sleep, gastric discomfort, anemia, osteoporosis, and lead poisoning. If symptoms persist without relief, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly and take targeted treatment measures under medical guidance. Details are as follows:
1. Disrupted Sleep
The caffeine in Pu'er tea can stimulate the central nervous system, leading to nervous excitement, insomnia, and reduced sleep quality, especially for those sensitive to caffeine. Measure: To avoid insomnia, it is recommended to consume Pu'er tea during the day, especially avoiding drinking it in the evening and before bedtime. Low-caffeine or decaffeinated Pu'er tea can be chosen to reduce its impact on sleep.
2. Gastric Discomfort
The tea polyphenols and caffeine in Pu'er tea stimulate gastric acid secretion, and excessive consumption may lead to gastric discomfort, stomach pain, or even gastric ulcers. Drinking tea on an empty stomach is more likely to cause these problems. Measure: Avoid drinking Pu'er tea on an empty stomach and preferably consume it half an hour after meals. Additionally, limit the intake to 1-2 cups per day. If gastric discomfort occurs, reduce tea consumption and consult a doctor if necessary.
3. Anemia
The tannic acid in Pu'er tea can bind with iron in food, affecting its absorption. Long-term heavy consumption may lead to iron deficiency anemia, particularly among women and children. Measure: Consume Pu'er tea in moderation. Avoid drinking tea simultaneously with iron-rich foods and wait for at least an hour after meals before drinking tea. Supplement iron through diet, such as consuming red meat and green leafy vegetables. Under medical guidance, iron supplements like ferrous sulfate tablets may be prescribed.
4. Osteoporosis
The caffeine and tannic acid in Pu'er tea can affect calcium absorption and metabolism, and long-term heavy consumption may increase calcium loss, leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis. Measure: Consume Pu'er tea in moderation, limiting intake to 1-2 cups per day. Additionally, ensure adequate calcium intake by consuming calcium-rich foods like milk, dairy products, and soy products. For individuals at risk of osteoporosis, calcium supplements like calcium carbonate tablets may be prescribed by a doctor.
5. Lead Poisoning
Certain tea sets or storage conditions for Pu'er tea may contain excessive lead levels. Prolonged use of these tea sets for brewing tea may lead to lead poisoning, causing intellectual impairment, kidney disease, and other issues. Measure: Choose qualified tea sets to ensure they are safe and lead-free. When purchasing Pu'er tea, select reputable brands to ensure the production and storage conditions meet standards. In case of lead poisoning symptoms, seek medical attention immediately and inform the doctor of potential lead exposure history for proper examination and treatment.
While Pu'er tea offers health benefits, moderation and caution are essential to avoid health problems from improper consumption. If discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly to ensure good health.
