Pu-erh tea is a unique type of fermented tea produced in certain parts of China and provides a range of health benefits for those who regularly consume it.
What is Pu-erh Tea?
This specialized type of tea is unique as it is fermented after being dried and rolled. Pu’er tea was first cultivated and distributed in the Yunnan Province of China, where it has been an important cultural staple for more than 2,000 years. There are varying ways to prepare pu-erh tea, including different durations of fermentation, from as little as a month to as long as years and decades. This process not only creates a unique flavor in the tea but also imbues it with surprising health benefits. Pu-erh tea undergoes something called post-fermentation; while black tea is also fermented, this specialized tea is then aged for an extended period. [1]
Drink a cup of Puerh tea to maintain a healthy body and mind. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
There are a number of types of pu-erh tea, including both raw and ripe varieties. The raw type is typically sun-dried and compressed and is the traditional form of this tea. Ripe pu-erh tea, on the other hand, is rapidly aged tea, and undergoes a 45-day fermentation process in which the tea is kept perpetually damp in a “wet pile”. In terms of taste, it can be bitter, but the more it is aged, the richer the flavor becomes. There is a great deal of complexity in this tea, along with 60-70 milligrams of caffeine in an 8-ounce cup. [2]
Pu-erh Tea Benefits
Due to the unique fermenting process and existing nutrient levels in this tea, it offers many benefits, including aiding in weight loss, strengthening the immune system, and reducing cholesterol, among others.
Weight Loss
This caffeine-rich drink is known to boost the metabolism and suppress the appetite, both of which can increase your passive fat-burning and also prevent overeating or snacking, helping you remain on track with your diet. [3]
Boosts Immune System
There is a wide range of antioxidants found in this tea, which can support the immune system and reduce strain on it, by eliminating free radicals and preventing them from causing cellular mutation and oxidative stress throughout the body. [4]
Protects Heart Health
Studies have found that this ancient tea is able to boost HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol, while also preventing the oxidation of cholesterol in the cardiovascular system, thus preventing atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. [5]
Aids in Digestion
Stimulating the gastrointestinal system is something pu-erh tea does very well by helping to speed the digestive process and clear up symptoms of indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, and other stomach issues. [6]
Boosts Energy Levels
With a good amount of caffeine, this energy-boosting drink has been consumed around the world as a natural source of healthy energy. [7]
How to Make Pu-erh Tea?
You can purchase pu-erh tea leaves in a solid cake or as traditional loose-leaf tea. From there, the preparation process is quite similar for both. Take a look at the recipe below.
Puerh Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 200 ml of water (filtered)
- 3-4 grams of puerh tea
- 1 tsp of honey
Instructions
- To make Pu-erh tea, use 3-4 grams of this tea per 200 ml of water.
- Break off a small piece of the pu-erh cake or add the loose leaves to a tea infuser.
- Add a small amount of water and swirl it around.
- Discard this water, along with any impurities it may have eliminated from the leaves.
- Add hot water to the leaves and allow them to steep for 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the infuser and add honey or sweetener, if desired, to counter the bitter taste.
Pu-erh Tea Side Effects
There are some serious side effects that have been associated with this tea, particularly by those who consume it in excess. These side effects include:
- Anxiety
- Exacerbation of bleeding disorders
- Osteoporosis
- Heart irregularity
- Gastrointestinal distress
These side effects are largely due to the caffeine content in this tea. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid using this tea. As with any healthy beverage, moderation is key to prevent unwanted side effects.
