Pu Erh Tea is all the rage these days — but it turns out it’s an old-school health and beauty secret from Asia! (Asians are into their teas and it’s one of my favorite reasons for visiting Jeju Island in Korea!) White tea, green tea, oolong tea – what have you!
Anyway, Pu Erh is a fermented black tea (made from maocha) which Chinese people have been crediting for their heart health, reduction of cholesterol, beautiful skin and promotion of significant weight loss. Can we hear a Hallelujah?! The Pu Erh Tea benefits seem almost too good to be true — so I decided to take a deeper dive into it, investigate, educate and experiment!
And I’m obsessed now. Listen up.
WHAT IS PU ERH TEA EXACTLY?
Pu Erh is a fermented tea produced in China — and it turns out that the town of Pu’er is named after the town Yunnan that produced Pu Erh! It begins as a raw product (maocha) that undergoes a complex process of fermentation. This process which involves microbial fermentation and oxidation of tea leaves was developed in 1972 which created the Pu Erh tea.
HOW TO BREW PU ERH TEA USING SACHETS
- Boil fresh, filtered water in a tea kettle
- Place the sachet in a teacup or teapot. (Until I go to China and get a teacake fresh from the Orient, I rely on Numi’s Organic Teas. Also, always go for organic!)
- Pour 6-8 ounces of water over it depending on how potent you like it.
- Allow the tea to steep for 5 five minutes.
- Remove sachet and enjoy!
- Reuse the sachet if you like. Many tea drinkers prefer the subsequent dunks!
HOW TO DRINK PU ERH TEA AND HOW OFTEN
As delicious and comforting as it is, it’s important to not nurse your tea 24/7. Timing is everything in this case — drink it one hour after a meal!
The rationale is that the tea helps metabolize fat and removes excess, hard to digest fats from your foods.
PU ERH TEA BENEFITS
The benefits are endless – it’s almost too good to be true!
Digestion:
The main known benefit is that this tea aids in the breakdown of fats, which normalizes bowel movements and reduces bloating.
Weight Loss:
The second and equally known benefit is that Pu Erh tea does wonders in terms of weight loss! It shrinks fat cells!
Reduction of cholesterol:
Chinese studies indicate that Pu Erh tea reduces bad cholesterol (LDL Cholesterol) and at the same time prevents obesity-related diseases. Also, it increases good cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) which is associated with a lower risk of heart disease!
Decreases blood sugar:
The health benefits are never-ending, right? The NIH has reported that the Pu Erh tea reduces blood sugar after meals, which is when your glucose levels are likely to rise.
Promotes bone health:
This tea’s magic continues! Pu Erh has a positive effect on oxidative stress and inflammation which lowers your risk of osteoporosis.
Antibacterial:
The antibacterial properties help your body from deadly bacteria such as E. Coli.
Skin-heath:
Like most teas, this tea contains antioxidants which prevent age spots and wrinkles. Furthermore, the tea as antimicrobial properties which helps prevent pores from getting clogged with bacteria and turning into acne.
Anti-inflammatory:
The tea’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling and calm inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Also, you can apply the tea topically to treat skin irritations.
Protects the nervous system:
Pu Erh tea protects the nervous system and has even been proven to prevent epilepsy in rats.
Improves sleep:
You all know that I’m a big sucker for good sleep! Pu Erh not only reduces anxiety which is necessary for some good zzzzs, but it also promotes melatonin production! Yup. Thank you and good night!
CONCLUSION ON PU ERH TEA
You have everything to gain in terms of boosting your overall health! Always check with your doctors if you have an underlying or preexisting condition – but if you’re in the clear, drink your Pu Erh in moderation and with a smile.
