Traditional tea, steeped in hot water, elevates our daily life when paired with exquisite tea ware. Many Hong Kong people enjoy a cup of tea for its health benefits. As a Chinese proverb goes, “A cup of tea in the morning starves the medicine seller,” but there are also several precautions to observe when consuming tea. Let’s delve into the health benefits and potential drawbacks of drinking tea.
Benefits of Drinking Tea
Reduced Risk of Cardiovascular Disease:
Tea has been shown to lower blood pressure. According to the UK’s Daily Mail, a study found that those who drank more than 5 cups of tea daily had a significantly lower risk of dying from cardiovascular diseases compared to those who drank less than 1 cup. The reduction in stroke risk was particularly notable, with a 42% decrease for men and a remarkable 62% decrease for women.Lowered Blood Sugar and Diabetes Prevention:
Compounds found in tea, such as glucose, arabinose, ribose, catechins, and diphenylamine, can help reduce blood sugar levels and regulate glucose balance in the body. This makes tea beneficial for preventing Type 2 diabetes.Improved Digestion, Weight Management, and Fat Regulation:
According to Bencao Shiyi, an ancient Chinese medical text from the Tang Dynasty, long-term consumption of tea can lead to weight loss and reduce body fat. Caffeine, inositol, folic acid, and other substances found in tea can boost metabolism and promote fat burning, aiding in weight management.Anxiety Reduction and Stress Relief:
Theanine, an amino acid found in tea, is a non-sedating relaxant that can help alleviate anxiety and improve focus, reducing stress and promoting mental well-being. This is especially beneficial in today’s stressful urban life.Cancer Prevention and Anti-Mutation:
Most teas are rich in polyphenols and caffeine, which can enhance our immune systems and provide anti-cancer benefits. They have been shown to inhibit the development of cancers in the digestive system, skin, lungs, and liver.
Precautions for Drinking Tea
Avoid Substituting Tea for Water
Some people may try to substitute tea for water. While tea is hydrating, its diuretic properties can lead to increased urination and dehydration if consumed excessively. Excessive tea consumption can also cause heart palpitations, insomnia, and other adverse effects. To maintain proper hydration, be sure to balance your tea consumption with plain water intake.Avoid Drinking Tea on an Empty Stomach:
Drinking strong teas (such as oolong or Pu’er) on an empty stomach can irritate the stomach lining, dilute stomach acid, and inhibit digestion. This can lead to “tea drunk”, characterised by symptoms like heart palpitations, headaches, stomach discomfort, dizziness, and anxiety. Additionally, consuming large amounts of tea after meals is also not recommended. For a more comfortable tea-drinking experience, it is best to enjoy tea with a light snack.Avoid Drinking Tea Before Bed or Consuming Cold-Brewed Tea:
It is recommended to avoid drinking tea in the two hours leading up to bedtime, as the components in tea can stimulate the mind and hinder sleep. Registered Chinese medicine practitioner Poon Chung-hang also recommends consuming freshly brewed hot tea over cold-brewed or bottled options. Regardless of whether you prefer green or black tea, limiting daily intake to the equivalent of one teapot is advised to prevent stomach discomfort.Do Not Use Tea to Take Medication:
Many believe that tea is a healthier alternative to plain water and often use it to take medications. However, tea leaves contain tannins, substances that can interact chemically with a wide range of drugs, reducing or neutralizing their effects.
The tradition of tea drinking can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty. With advances in modern science, we have gained a deeper understanding of tea. By learning more about the tea you consume, you can enjoy its benefits while seamlessly integrating it into your daily routine.
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