The medical benefits of tea were discovered 5000 years ago. The tea culture started to develop, eventually becoming a common practice of all Chinese around the world. Let’s check out what benefits drinking tea brings to our bodies!
What are the benefits of drinking tea?
Curb cardiovascular diseases
Cholesterol deposits are a significant cause of cardiovascular diseases. Cholesterol has two types: high-density cholesterol and low-density cholesterol. The former has a protective effect on our circulatory system; consumption of it is beneficial for our health. When the concentration of the latter rises beyond normal, the risk for coronary heart disease increases. Foods containing low-density cholesterol are everywhere in our daily lives. From animal liver to butter and cheese, many Oriental and Western delicacies contain this harmful substance. Fortunately, polyphenols in tea can maintain and control metabolism of fats in the body, effectively decreasing low-density cholesterol content in blood, therefore lowering the possibility of myocardium and coronary heart problems. Tea drinking is very suitable for individuals with high cholesterol levels.
Increase bone density
Tea leaves contain substances such as fluorine, phytoestrogens and potassium that reduce the loss of calcium. Research has shown that individuals who frequently drink tea have higher bone density, and the chances of a hip fracture are lower.
Improve memory
Do you ever feel that your memory is worsening as you age? Do you immediately forget what others said to you? We can improve our memories by drinking tea. Polyphenols in tea help to improve memory and raise work efficiency. Tea can prevent nervous system diseases, especially recognition difficulties for the elderly. Caffeine in tea keeps the central nervous system clear and helps you to concentrate, focus and calm down.
Which type of tea is suitable for me?
Green tea for individuals with high brain activities
Suitable for those frequently engaged in intensive brain exercises, green tea keeps the brain agile, clear and energized for long periods. This helps in stronger thinking, discerning and memory abilities, benefiting working adults and students with high brain activities.
Red tea for athletes
Red tea has a warm nature, making it suitable for people who exercise a lot or engage in strenuous physical activities. Adding sugar to the drink helps to replenish one’s energy and nutrient levels.
Chrysanthemum tea for individuals with "heat"
Sore throat, dry lips, painful gums are symptoms of excessive internal heat. Chrysanthemum helps to relieve ‘heat’, and is good for your eyes and liver, an efficient cure for headache and throat problems.
How to brew tea?
Green tea
Brew using hot water of 80℃ to 85℃ and consume instantly. Green tea is not fermented tea and is delicate, so it should not be brewed using boiling water;80℃ to 85℃ is an ideal temperature range. The tea to water ratio should be 1:50. Brew for two to three minutes and drink instantly. If the brewing temperature is too high or if the time is too long, polyphenols may be destroyed, hence the tea will turn yellowish and the fragrance will be lost. Ceramic cups are preferred for making green tea. Use one-quarter cup of water to soften the tea leaves first, and pour in hot water after 20 seconds or half a minute. Cup covers should not be used while brewing green tea, lest the tea turns yellowish.
Red tea
Use hot water to heat up the teacup, then brew red tea using boiling water. All red tea is fermented, with some common examples being high-class red tea sticks and red tea fragments. Red tea should be brewed for three to five minutes using the same amount as what is used for green tea. High-end red tea can be brewed three to four times; red tea fragments can be brewed one to two times. Red tea should be brewed using glass cups, so you can enjoy a view of red tea leaves rolling in the water. Brewing procedure is as follows: pour one-tenth cup of hot water to heat up the cup and toss in three to five grams of tea leaves. Pour in boiling water from the sides of the glass. The glass cup should be covered with a lid, so that a heavenly fragrance can be produced.
Chrysanthemum tea
Use a clear glass cup for chrysanthemum tea. Put in four or five flowers and brew using boiling water for two to three minutes. When the water has cooled by 20% to 30%, the tea will turn slightly yellow. Try not to finish the drink entirely; leave one-third of tea remaining and add new boiling water. A few crystals of rock sugar can be added to the tea to enhance the flavour.
We believe that you would have a basic understanding of tea drinking by now. Let’s start developing a tea-drinking habit today! A healthy body starts with small practices.
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