The Benefits of Pu-erh Tea
If you’re looking to broaden your selection of tea then you should definitely consider stocking up on pu-erh. It may not be as popular as white, green, and black tea but it comes from the same plant -- Camellia sinensis. It delivers a distinct and exotic flavor as well as several health benefits. What sets it apart from the other teas is the cultivation and production process it goes through. Its name is derived from where it is grown, Pu-Erh County, after which it is exclusively cultivated in the province of Yunnan in China.
Fermentation and Flavor Profile
Pu-erh tea is aged and fermented naturally. The tea leaves intended to make Pu-erh tea undergo a two-part fermentation process. Processed in a humid environment, Pu-erh tea is able to grow good bacteria that carry many health benefits.
Due to its unique fermentation process, Pu-erh tea is able to retain high concentrations of catechins, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Compared to the other types of tea, Pu-erh tea is the most oxidized. Its distinct mellow flavor develops more with time. Pu-erh tea is generally smooth and mildly sweet.
Health Benefits
Helps Your Body Detoxify
When consumed, Pu-erh tea helps improve your blood circulation. This is due to its oxidative properties which deliver increased levels of oxygen. The influx of oxygen to the brain can help drive away disease-causing free radicals. Drinking Pu-erh tea regularly can help cleanse and enhance your body’s natural detoxification functions.
Enhances Bone Health
As you age, your bones become more brittle as they lose density. Your risk for osteoporosis and other types of serious bone conditions can increase. These conditions may arise from the lack of physical activity and a deficiency of several essential vitamins and minerals. However, a study suggests that the bioactive components found in tea can be linked to an increase in bone mineral density, thus preventing bone fractures. Another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that women who drink tea regularly had higher bone mineral density measurements, compared to non-tea drinkers.
Promotes Better Heart Health
Pu-erh tea helps trigger the healthy production of lovastatin in your body. This naturally occurring substance is known to help regulate cholesterol levels. In turn, it helps prevent heart diseases by effectively lowering your LDL cholesterol levels and increasing your HDL cholesterol levels.
Provides an Energy Boost
Pu-erh tea can help improve your focus and increase your energy levels all thanks to its caffeine content. An 8 oz serving or Pu-erh can provide you with 60 to 70 mg of caffeine. Although it is slightly less than the amount of caffeine you can get from a cup of coffee, it is enough to improve your mental focus to help you get rid of that post-lunch dip so you can power through your workday.
Helps Reduce Stress
As with green tea, Pu-erh tea has the ability to drive up your energy levels without making you feel jittery or anxious. In fact, it is the best substitute for people who are quite sensitive to caffeine. It provides a boost in energy while helping you stay calm and relaxed. This is due to the phytochemicals GABA and theanine that are present in Pu-erh tea. The presence of both can also help regulate your sleeping patterns by prompting your body to produce healthy levels of melatonin.
Boosts Your Immune System
Pu-erh tea is an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants. When consumed regularly, it can help prevent flu, common cold, and other illnesses.
The Bottom Line
Pu-erh tea goes through a unique fermentation process. As it ferments, it gets exposed to various environmental factors that help develop its flavors. Depending on the season, Pu-erh tea can come out with earthy, fruity, and musky flavors. It boasts of a rich and smooth consistency that makes it a perfect morning or midday drink. And while the mentioned benefits have been observed in various studies, Pu-erh tea isn’t known to cure any major ailments. It is taken as a good addition to a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle to boost your mental and physical health. Enjoy its full-bodied flavors and wholesome health benefits in a convenient and, easy-to-prepare powder form with TEAki Hut’s Instant Pu’erh Tea Powder.
References:
https://www.cupandleaf.com/blog/pu-erh-health-benefits
https://www.algaecal.com/expert-insights/bone-health-benefits-of-tea/