Useful properties of pu-erh tea. Puer tea

The legendary Chinese drink has spread all over the world and is firmly rooted in many countries. This is Pu-erh tea, the value of which has been repeatedly proven by folk healers in China. From time immemorial, the benefits of the drug were not subject to discussion; tea is still considered a cure for 1000 diseases. There are several varieties of Puer - white, green and black, they are considered basic. Today we will consider the benefits and harms of the drink.

Puer production technology

For the manufacture of raw materials, leaves of several varieties are used, which are preferably collected from tea-type shrubs. The components must be large.

After harvesting, the leaves undergo fermentation (artificial aging), the process is carried out under the influence of special enzymes. It is this specific technology that allows tea to retain all its properties and not deteriorate for a long time.

A properly prepared tea leaf is often “rested” in parchment or a wooden box for 10, 20, or even 30 years. It is interesting that after such a long period of time, Pu-erh does not deteriorate, but becomes even richer, seasoned, and bright.

Some manufacturers prefer to ferment tea leaves naturally, aging them for about 7 years. If the process is carried out artificially, then the raw materials are collected in a heap, sprayed with a solution and left to “reach” for 1.5-3.5 months.

After fermentation, Pu-erh is dried and further infused for 1 year. It is this complex technological process that determines the high cost of products.

Pu-erh is usually sold in the form of pressed briquettes, cakes, bricks, cubes, tablets, bowls, mushrooms, or balls. In rare cases, you can find tea sold by tea shops in loose form. If we talk about types, Pu-erh is white, green Shen, black Shu.

Indications for taking Puer

• overweight, including obesity;
• excess cholesterol in the blood;
• low mental performance;
• poor memory and concentration;
• rapid physical fatigue;
• slagged organism;
• jumps in blood pressure;
• alcohol addiction;
• gastritis and stomach ulcers caused by high acidity;
• difficult activity of the liver;
• low immune system;
• accumulation of salts in the urine;
• indigestion;
• diabetes.

Pu-erh properties

• has a mild laxative effect;
• removes excess water, bile;
• stops the fermentation of food in the intestines;
• has a preventive effect in the spread of influenza;
• improves immunity;
• reduces blood glucose levels, which is appreciated by diabetics;
• removes toxic compounds from the liver;
• gives vivacity, improves activity;
• reduces cravings for smoking and alcohol consumption;
• removes old waste from the body;
• cleanses blood vessels, seals their walls;
• removes plaques of cholesterol from the blood;
• accelerates metabolism, in particular digestion;
• blocks the access of blood to cancer cells;
• conducts cancer prevention;
• burns fat reserves;
• fights gastritis and ulcers, reducing the acidity of the stomach;
• frees internal organs from free radicals;
• normalizes the psycho-emotional background, calms.

The benefits of Pu-erh

1. In China, a tea drink is used to give the so-called intoxicating sobriety of the mind. This means that Puer is aimed at increasing concentration, improving brain activity, and relieving the effects of stress.
2. Incoming theine, L-theanine, theophylline provide an energy boost for the whole day and at the same time relax the body. As a result, a person becomes calm and resilient to negative factors, sleep and general condition are normalized.
3. Theine is the well-known caffeine, only in a milder form. In combination with other enzymes, the drink stimulates brain activity. Incoming neural mediators are responsible for a good mood, relieve excessive irritability and give peace.
4. Geophyllin, which accumulates in the drug, affects the central nervous system. The substance clears the respiratory tract, reduces cravings for cigarettes and alcoholic beverages. The blood is enriched with oxygen, resulting in a feeling of lightness.
5. Such actions absolutely do not harm the vascular system and heart, as is the case with other similar drinks (artificial energy drinks, coffee, etc.).
6. Alkaloid compounds are engaged in cleansing the body of free radicals, they relieve food poisoning, help the heart pump blood. Vessels expand smoothly, without stress.
7. Tannins in combination with catechins stimulate all metabolic processes, thereby increasing insulin sensitivity. It becomes easier for people with diabetes to live, as blood glucose stops jumping.
8. Pu-erh tea should be consumed by patients who have a tendency to form blood clots. The drink kills bad cholesterol and removes it from the blood, thereby reducing the likelihood of developing a stroke or heart attack.
9. Pectin is responsible for the prevention of cancer. The substance blocks the access of blood to the cells of malignant tumors, kills a harmful protein, which can be the beginning of the development of oncology.

1. The drink allows you to get rid of excess weight without stress for the body. So, Pu-erh reduces the feeling of hunger and retains satiety after a meal for a long time. Tea speeds up metabolism, thereby burning body fat.
2. The drug is responsible for the rapid digestibility of food and the absorption of valuable enzymes by the blood. As a result of losing weight, a person does not feel unwell, apathy, or a bad mood.
3. Pu-erh removes excess fluid, fighting swelling of the limbs and tissues of internal organs. Tea improves intestinal patency, regulates the size of portions.
4. If the reason for the appearance of excess weight is associated with the inability to control the amount of food eaten, make it a habit to drink tea a third of an hour before a meal. Your stomach will fill up and you will eat less.
5. For people who prefer to follow very strict diets, Pu-erh is a must. The drink makes up for the lack of the "hormone of joy", thereby the fight against body weight takes place in high spirits.
6. You should not get carried away with tea, otherwise you risk experiencing partial beriberi, headache and high blood pressure. Take a drink three times a day for 100-150 ml.

The benefits of Puerh for digestion

1. A separate topic deserves the effect of the drink on the digestive system. Pu-erh is recommended for duodenitis, ulcers, gastritis. The drug does not increase the acidity of the stomach, as does regular black or green tea.
2. Soft enveloping properties protect the mucous membranes of the internal organs without irritating them. At the same time, maximum stimulation of the digestive tract is achieved, food is absorbed faster.
3. In addition, Pu-erh has a laxative effect, cleansing the body even of old toxins. The drug removes poisons, heavy metals, radionuclides, fights stagnation in the intestines.
4. The drink tones the bile ducts, has a beneficial effect on the bladder. Pu-erh restores the functions of the liver and the structure of the internal organ.
5. Drinking tea will relieve you of the constant feeling of heaviness in the stomach, heartburn, bloating and other unpleasant symptoms. Puer puts in order the appetite, promotes the rapid disintegration of ethyl alcohol during a hangover.
6. To enhance the antioxidant properties of the drug, you need to add a little brown sugar and milk to the composition. In addition, such manipulations saturate the body faster.

Harm Puer

1. During gestation, girls need to carefully monitor the food they eat. Products directly affect the health and development of the baby. The recommended dose should not exceed 240 ml. tea a day.
2. In the presence of ailments associated with the urinary tract or kidneys, be careful. During exacerbations, stop taking tea. Otherwise, the drink will provoke the movement of stones.
3. If you suffer from insomnia and increased irritability, it is not recommended to use Pu-erh and similar tonic drinks. In some cases, you can treat yourself to 1 cup of this tea before lunch.
4. It is forbidden to relieve pain in the abdomen with Puer, tea can cause even more damage. Consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis.
5. It is necessary to completely exclude the use of Pu-erh and strong teas in any quantities for people who have been diagnosed with atherosclerosis and hypertension.
6. With proper brewing, the drink will not harm the body. Before drinking tea, it is important to choose high-quality raw materials.

1. Give preference to trusted producers of high-quality tea, mainly the large factories ShuangjiangMengkui, Menghai and Xiaguan.
2. Always pay attention to packaging and storage conditions. Quality tea should be stored in a dark, dry and cool place.
3. Tea is most often produced in the original pack of special materials. Forget about buying Pu-erh in sealed packaging. Such raw materials are prone to the development of mold.

Rules for brewing Pu-erh

1. The smell of tea is revealed throughout the ceremony. The benefits of a freshly brewed drink are felt after proper aging. The strength of the drink is reached 10 minutes after pouring boiling water.
2. In order for tea to show useful qualities, it is necessary to brew raw materials in a small porcelain or clay teapot. The taste is maximally manifested when brewed with purified water without impurities.
3. A pleasant aroma is revealed at a temperature of no more than 93 degrees. It is forbidden to use bubbling boiling water, consider this important point. Without fail, warm the kettle, then brew the raw materials.
4. Follow the rules strictly according to the instructions. The teapot is warmed up with the first boiling water and Pu-erh is washed from tea dust. The water should be about 90 degrees, after 10 seconds drain the liquid.
5. For the second time, pour in boiling water, the temperature of which should not exceed 93 degrees. The brewing time of raw materials is from 3 to 10 minutes. To get a light drink, enough for 150 ml. water to take 3 gr. tea leaves, for strong tea, double the raw materials.
6. According to the rules of use, tea should be brewed at least 10 times. All the colors and benefits of tea are revealed after 4-5 pours of boiling water. Each time it is important to increase the time of infusion of the drink.

According to the rules of tea drinking, the ceremony begins with the correct brewing of raw materials. Qualitatively prepared Pu-erh has a healing unique effect, while the drink has an amazing aroma.

Video: how to brew pu-erh

Puer is one of the most expensive teas in the world. It differs from other varieties in the specifics of production, which Chinese masters have been fluent in for more than one century. Since connoisseurs of this variety appear all over the world to this day, we will talk about its history, preparation technology and proper use.

Story

Since the 3rd century, the Chinese have been growing the Yunnan tea tree, and already in the 8th century, tea made from this raw material began to be called Puer tea or Pu tea. From the south of Yunnan Province, tea leaves began to be delivered to neighboring countries - Mongolia and Tibet. In Europe, this species appeared in the middle of the last century, since China has always carefully kept its secrets and was rather closed to other countries and their culture.

Production features

The main feature of this variety is fermentation, during which pu-erh acquires its taste and composition. During the production process, tea goes through the following stages:

• collection of leaves;
• withering;
• extracting juice from leaves;
• fermentation - acceleration of fermentation of tea leaves;
• drying;
• pressing;
• some varieties of pu-erh also require ripening.

Important! Before the product was delivered by car, fermentation took place on the way to the consumer. With the advent of machines, the delivery time was reduced, and manufacturers came up with the idea of ​​fermenting tea artificially. A number of manufacturers claim that the taste of pu-erh becomes more intense with time, however, the taste depends on the method of production.

Kinds

There are several types of Chinese Pu-erh tea, each with its own benefits.

Green tea (shen)

This variety is an unprocessed, raw, green tea. Produced by natural maturation. Brewed sheng has a light green tint and a taste of dried fruit. As a rule, after 2-3 years of aging, pu-erh of this type ceases to be bitter, and it should be stored properly.

Did you know? Shen pu-erh older than 40 years is almost impossible to find on the free market - it is found, for the most part, at auctions and is the pride of collectors all over the world.

Black tea (shu)

Shu is a processed, mature, black tea that is fermented artificially. The production of this variety began only in 1973 with the advent of artificial fermentation technology. The brewed shu has a chocolate-mint taste and a hint of cognac. With proper storage, after a few years, the product loses the taste of the so-called "wet heap". In a separate type of pu-erh, it was determined precisely by the production process. Despite this, puer shu can be misidentified as a type of black tea due to the color of its leaves and the drink itself.

white pu-erh

The taste of white pu-erh is fundamentally different from sheng and shu. In addition, this variety of pu-erh is made from the buds of the Yunnan tree, not the leaves, so it has an antioxidant effect. A characteristic feature of white pu-erh is its herbal taste with a touch of dried fruit. The raw material goes through a short fermentation process for 5-7 days, and then it is dried at a temperature of +45 °C.

Variety of pressed teas

Pu-erh is pressed in several ways and subsequently has the following forms:

• compressed;
• in the form of a lump;
• loose;
• tea resin;
• in the shape of a tangerine.

Compound

Pu-erh must consist exclusively of Yunnan tea tree leaf. If tea does not contain third-party impurities, then its chemical composition includes phenolic compounds that serve as antioxidants and antiseptics; amino acids responsible for the quality and color of the variety; alkaloids that have a tonic effect on the body. Also, natural pu-erh is enriched with vitamins C, and various minerals. The energy value is 151.8 kcal per 100 g.

Did you know? Pu-erh will help lower blood cholesterol levels and prevent stroke, as well as heart ischemia.

Intoxication effect

As a rule, correctly brewed real pu-erh has a certain "intoxicating" effect. However, lovers of this type of tea indicate that intoxication from it has little to do with alcohol or drug intoxication.
When using pu-erh, the following is noted:

• deep perception of one's own thoughts and feelings;
• increased attention;
• improvement of digestion and normalization of pressure;
• relaxation;
• vivacity of body and mind.

Important! Tibetan monks use the infusion to increase control over the mind and body during meditation. Unlike alcohol intoxication, the tea state leads to the normalization of the nervous system and concentration.

How to drink tea correctly

First of all, it is undesirable to drink pu-erh before going to bed, otherwise you simply won’t be able to fall asleep. Also, you should not use this tea on an empty stomach, it is better to do it half an hour after eating, because in this case it really benefits your stomach and has a tonic effect on the body.

Beneficial features

Asian peoples consider pu-erh to be a cure for a hundred diseases. In any case, a tea drink will not cure serious diseases, but it can improve overall well-being and add vigor. Properly brewed pu-erh speeds up metabolic processes and normalizes blood pressure, as well as the functioning of the nervous system. Many sources also point to the normalization of weight and weight loss, as well as the cleansing of blood vessels. The variety is not contraindicated in gastritis.

Contraindications

First of all, this variety may be contraindicated for allergy sufferers and with individual intolerance to the product. Elderly people who have chronic diseases are also not recommended to consume pu-erh in large quantities. Pregnant and lactating women should also not get carried away with pu-erh, no more than one cup a day is an acceptable dose. For children under three years of age, the product is strictly contraindicated.

Brewing rules

To properly prepare a drink, you should not pour it with boiling water, it is best to do this with water, the temperature of which is 90-95 degrees. For 150 ml of water, four teaspoons of tea are required. Can be used up to 5 times. In the first two tea parties, you need to infuse the tea for only a few seconds, with each subsequent brewing, increase the infusion time by 20-30 seconds.
Pu-erh can be called a healthy drink that strengthens your health. However, like any medicine, it should be used correctly and in moderation. Contrary to popular belief, pu-erh has nothing to do with alcoholic beverages or drugs.

Pu-erh tea is equated by many tea experts with such elite drinks as whiskey or brandy. Over the years, the taste characteristics of the drink are revealed better and better, and the beneficial qualities also increase.

Aging and processing make this drink unique. A wide variety of varieties will satisfy even picky gourmets. But you need to understand in more detail what is the use of this tea, who can and who cannot use it.

How to choose a good quality drink

Black tea, which you are used to in everyday life, is considered red in China, but real black tea, which involves special manufacturing and brewing technologies, is called pu-erh.

This name comes from the place where the leaves were found, which are still actively brewed all over the world.

The difference in the method of preparation is that pu-erh leaves, after careful processing, become completely fermented. First, they are collected from the bushes, after the raw materials are laid out in heaps, from time to time irrigated with water.

The leaves dry out a little, then they are laid out in thin even layers, left for a couple of months to ferment naturally. It is possible to harvest tea and artificially, however, the properties and flavor are somewhat lost from this.

It takes about 7-8 years to prepare raw materials in a natural way.. During this time, the taste, smell, composition completely change. This tea has a dark color, called "shen".

Artificial drying, of course, involves less time- in a year, a drink called "shu" will be ready. Its shade will be an order of magnitude lighter than the previous version.

Of course, a ten-year-old drink will be more beneficial for the body.. But artificially prepared pu-erh also has benefits. This drink has more than 120 types, each is useful in its own way. They have different taste, color, aroma. A popular species, for the production of which combine old and young leaves.

To choose good quality pu-erh tea, firstly, you need to at least study a little the technology of its production, the names of the leading manufacturers. Expensive product does not mean quality.

Also inspect the packaging, study the storage conditions. The product must be stored in a cool, dry place with sufficient air circulation.

The packaging must be original, allowing the product to "breathe". It is better not to buy tea in sealed bags - mold can develop there.

Well, if you have the opportunity to feel the aroma. It will depend on the age of the tea - the older it is, the more woody notes in the smell. Foreign, unpleasant odors are not allowed. Due to the ability of tea to absorb the odors of a storage location, proper conditions are important.

Look at the color. With a long exposure time, the briquettes will be reddish, with a short exposure time - greenish. There is no pure black pu-erh. Extraneous colors are not allowed in the briquette - white, yellow. Inclusions of other colors indicate that the product has begun to deteriorate.

If you were not previously familiar with this drink, then it is better to start with fermented varieties - they are more familiar. “Raw” pu-erh is more exotic, it is recommended to switch to it a little later.

On the pages of our site you will also learn everything about how to brew a drink correctly.

Composition and calorie content

Real black pu-erh consists only of tea leaves, without flavorings and impurities.

Its chemical composition includes the elements:

100 g of the product contains 151.8 kcal. To prepare one cup, a teaspoon of raw materials is usually enough - about 2 g, which accounts for only 3 kcal.

What is good for health

This drink has been popular in China for a long time., and this is also due to its beneficial properties.

The main ones among them are:

For kids

Pu-erh is contraindicated for small children. Their body is too weak to normally perceive a product with such strong properties.

For the elderly

Older people who do not have heart and blood pressure problems can drink the drink within reason. It prolongs youth reduces the risk of a number of age-related diseases.

Potential Hazard

Product may be harmful if consumed on an empty stomach.

The reason is the presence of enzymes in the composition that activate the gastrointestinal tract. This eating habit can lead to heartburn and stomach pain.

Much depends on the correct preparation of tea. and the amount of use. Do not drink more than three cups a day. Do not use it before bedtime, as this can provoke insomnia, disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system.

Severe harm is also possible if the raw materials were collected in places with poor ecology.. And this is another reason to carefully choose the product. Pu-erh cannot be drunk strongly brewed, and the strength of the tea leaves is not proportional to the usefulness of the drink.

There are a number of contraindications under which you can not drink tea. The first is individual intolerance.

Rest:

• Hold your drink at a high temperature, since he can lift it even more.
• It is not recommended to drink tea during pregnancy. During lactation, a maximum of one cup is allowed.
• Pu-erh is contraindicated for small children.
• It is important not to get carried away with the product for hypertensive patients, as it tends to increase pressure.
• Caution is needed when, because the drink has a diuretic effect, which can lead to pain, movement of stones.

Also, keep in mind that improperly brewed tea can provoke tea intoxication, manifested by vomiting and a strong heartbeat.

You will learn more about the beneficial properties and contraindications for drinking black pu-erh tea from the following video clip:

You can drink no more than three cups of tea per day. It is recommended to use it in the first half of the day, so as not to provoke sleep disturbances.

It is important to prepare tea properly. In general, there are many ways to prepare pu-erh, each of them gives him the opportunity to open up in his own way.

This is the only type of tea that can be boiled.. Sugar, milk and even salt are added to the drink.

Some peoples have special cooking recipes using animal oil and fat, adding cereals. Regardless of the brewing method, there are general rules:

• Before filling the tea leaves, you need to heat the container on fire or water. The water temperature should be hot, but not boiling.
• Pressed leaves should not be broken off, but their upper layers should be separated with a knife.
• One cup needs about 7 grams of dry raw materials. It is applied from three times without rinsing.
• Tea is poured over with boiling water for 30 seconds and the liquid is drained. This allows you to wash off the dust, let the leaves open.
• The infusion is poured into a separate teapot, and after that it is poured into containers without dilution with water.
• You need to drink the drink fresh. After two hours, it acquires an unpleasant taste, acts too sharply on the heart and gastrointestinal tract.

Application for weight loss

Tea is popular among those who lose weight. The reason for this is its ability to speed up metabolism, cleanse the body, and regulate appetite. It is recommended to drink a cup 15 minutes before a meal - this way you will eat less, and what you eat will be better digested.

Pu-erh will help overcome bad mood and loss of strength, characteristic of losing weight. But, of course, you should not get carried away with them, and even more so to replace breakfast or lunch with them.

Use in traditional medicine

Infusion tones, improves concentration, so people who work mentally can drink it.

In the next review, we will tell you the secrets of making a delicious and healing drink.

What are the benefits of black tea with milk? Read about the features of drinking a drink popular all over the world.

And from the following article you will learn about the benefits of milk with turmeric, about how this drink is used in traditional medicine recipes:.

Influence in cosmetology

The anti-aging properties of tea are also widely appreciated, therefore, it is added to face masks, combining with ingredients such as kefir, olive oil, honey, starch.

Good product for hair and nails. To improve the condition of the curls, you can make masks by mixing tea infusion with honey and egg yolk.

Pu-erh tea is a unique drink with a rich history. If you use it wisely and moderately, you can feel all its benefits, which have long been valued in its homeland.

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The Chinese are an inventive and practical people who have given the world many varieties of tea. Thanks to them, a whole tea culture was born and flourished with its legends, connoisseurs, technologies, and classification. One of the most famous and unusual varieties of Chinese tea - pu-erh, is invariably in the center of attention of gourmets, doctors, nutritionists and just curious people. What are the features, useful and not very properties of this product, the article will tell.

A bit of history

Each variety of Chinese tea has its own legend of origin, and sometimes even several. Pu-erh was no exception. A long and flowery story with many details tells how the tea intended as a gift to the emperor accidentally got wet in the rain. But instead of falling into disrepair, cakes made from pressed tea leaves acquired an unusual taste and aroma. The emperor, a great gourmet, highly appreciated the wonderful drink, and since then the technology for the production of pu-erh tea has been developed and improved.

It is not known if this was actually the case. But the connection between the invention of pu-erh and long caravan journeys, during which changes in humidity and temperature cannot be avoided, seems obvious. It is they - humidity and temperature - that trigger a special process of "ripening" of the tea leaf, which can last up to twenty years or longer. At the same time, not only the color and smell of tea leaves change, but also the chemical composition (and hence the properties of the drink).

The first documented mention of pu-erh tea dates back to the 7th century BC. It also has a geographic reference - a traditional area where this product has been grown and produced for centuries. Today it is called the Chinese provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou and Sichuan. This historical region also covers the northern territories of Laos, and Burma.

Production technology and types

There are many varieties of pu-erh, but the most basic classification distinguishes between two main types - shu-puerh and shen-puerh. What is the difference?

Shen Puer

It matures naturally, without the use of technologies that speed up the process. Manufacturing includes the following steps:

• Collection of tea tree leaves (traditional technology suggests that the trees must be old). This work is done by hand, very carefully. According to the type of leaves (large old leaf, young leaves and buds), the raw material is divided into different grades.
• Drying the collected sheet. The material is scattered in a sunny place so that the leaves slightly wilted and softened. Usually diffused sunlight is used for this, the procedure takes about 2 hours.
• Shaqing - "fixing the green". The tea leaf is exposed to high temperatures in order to stop the process of natural fermentation in it. For this, for example, frying the leaves with constant stirring is used.
• Twisting. It is carried out using special equipment. At the same time, the leaves are crushed and secrete juice.

The more juice is released, the richer the taste of tea will be.

• Drying (in the sun or in a special room with good ventilation).
• Pressing into pancakes, cakes, tablets, bricks and other forms. Then the tea briquettes are dried a little more and wrapped in rice paper.
• Natural maturation (can last up to 20-30 years).

Young shen pu-erh is light greenish in color. The whole process (from collecting leaves to sending pressed and packaged tea for “ripening”) fits into one day.

Pressed pu-erh is stored under special conditions: at a controlled temperature and humidity. During the "post-fermentation" - the ripening of tea in the form of pancakes and bricks, the quality of pu-erh becomes better and better every year. At the same time, the tea leaf changes color to a darker one, and its taste becomes deeper and more intense.

The price of sheng pu-erh also grows depending on the age of the tea, and reaches very significant amounts. Some rare collection varieties are even forbidden to be exported from China.

Shu Puer

It is made using an accelerated technology developed at the end of the 20th century. The traditional method of production is rather slow, it could not meet the increased demand for pu-erh, so the Chinese learned how to speed up the fermentation process.

Shu-puer matures in "wet heaps": the raw tea leaf is covered with a film and kept for several months at a certain temperature, stirring from time to time with shovels. When the raw material reaches the desired stage of fermentation, it is sorted and pressed.

The production of such pu-erh is more massive, and it costs less.

Although the manufacturers claim that it does not have any special differences from Shen Puer, this is not entirely true. Connoisseurs and connoisseurs confidently distinguish between shu and shen, and value the latter much higher.

In free sale, mainly shu-puer is presented, the prices for it are relatively acceptable. Shen is an elite tea, in Russia the cost of one pancake ranges from several thousand to tens of thousands of rubles (depending on the variety, year, region of origin, factory and other parameters). However, in specialized stores and on a number of sites it is possible to purchase this premium pu-erh.

Beneficial features

Puer is a mature tea with a rich composition. It contains all the valuable substances:

• vitamins (A, E, P, PP, ascorbic acid, a number of B vitamins);
• minerals (fluorine, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and others);
• amino acids (about 17 items, including L-theanine);
• alkaloids (theine, theobromine);
• proteins, fats and carbohydrates;
• tannins;
• polyphenols;
• organic acids.

This special "aged" tea has a strong effect on the body. Its beneficial effects on health can be felt by both men and women. Beneficial effects include:

• Stimulating. Pu-erh invigorates and fills with energy. In some cases, even a state of mild euphoria is described.
• Nootropic. Tea activates the brain. It helps to concentrate, accelerates reaction, promotes better memorization of information.
• Diuretic. Reduces puffiness, promotes weight loss.
• Pu-erh speeds up metabolism, which also helps to get rid of extra pounds.
• Antioxidant. Helps maintain youthful skin, prevents the development of cancerous tumors.
• The drink regulates blood sugar levels, reduces the amount of bad cholesterol. Helps to improve the condition of the blood in general.
• Removes toxic substances, salts of heavy metals and even radioactive elements.
• According to reviews, displays the decay products of alcohol.
• Improves the condition of the respiratory system, helps to cope with respiratory diseases.
• It has a beneficial effect on digestion, helps cleanse the intestines.
• Pu-erh prevents the development of caries, strengthens teeth.
• Improves liver function, accelerates the regeneration of its cells.
• For women, a pleasant bonus will be the improvement of hair, nails and skin.
• According to some reports, pu-erh contributes to the treatment of erectile dysfunction and has a positive effect on potency. This is one of the reasons why tea is especially beneficial for men.
• The drink reduces blood viscosity and the tendency to thrombosis.

Contraindications

Like any potent product, pu-erh is fraught with a number of dangers. It is better to refuse the use of this valuable tea:

• pregnant and lactating women (especially at the beginning of gestation and the first months of lactation);
• hypertensive patients (because pu-erh increases blood pressure);
• with urolithiasis (the pronounced diuretic effect of pu-erh can seriously harm with such a diagnosis);
• with atherosclerosis (damaged vessels may not withstand increased load);
• with ulcers, gastritis and pancreatitis in the acute stage (during periods of remission, small doses are acceptable, but only on a full stomach);
• with cholelithiasis (the choleretic effect of pu-erh can provoke the movement of stones and lead to the table to the surgeon);
• patients with glaucoma;
• children under 12;
• at high temperature (tea has the ability to raise the temperature, it interferes with the action of antipyretic drugs).

ADVICE! You should not drink pu-erh before going to bed, because its tonic effect can lead to insomnia.

Fans of pu-erh tea are wondering if it can be given to children. Experts differ on this issue. Some do not recommend this drink until the age of 12, others are more loyal to the issue. In any case, for children (strictly over 6 years old), 1 cup of weak pu-erh per day is enough, if there are no contraindications.

Storage and preparation

Pu-erh is a rather “sensitive” product, its condition is affected by sunlight, humidity, strong odors, dust or grease. Therefore, it is recommended to store briquettes in a dry place, in the shade, best of all in sealed packaging or special wooden boxes with a tightly fitted lid.

The appearance of a white coating on the tea “press” indicates that the product is spoiled and cannot be further consumed.

For thousands of years, a whole culture has formed around this tea. Special rules regulate not only the manufacturing process, but also the rules for storage, the ritual of brewing and drinking. Connoisseurs of the drink use special utensils (you can buy them in tea shops): boards and knives for pu-erh, storage boxes, teapots and cups. This tea does not tolerate haste and fuss. It requires calmness and concentration on the process.

The recipe for preparing the drink is different for pu-erh of varying degrees of maturity. The older the tea, the hotter the brewing water is used. The teapot is advised to use clay, glass or porcelain.

The cooking algorithm for all types of pu-erh is approximately the same:

• the kettle must be rinsed with hot water;
• break off a piece from the briquette with a special knife or hands (the size depends on the desired strength of the drink), put it in a teapot;
• pour hot water (from 80 to 95 degrees, depending on the “maturity” of the tea), pour it out after a few seconds (this will allow you to rinse the sheets from dust and dirt, slightly steam them);
• again pour hot water, leave for about 1 minute.

This is not the only way, if you wish, you can find algorithms for more complex "tea ceremonies" that turn pu-erh brewing into an art.

The color and taste of the finished drink varies and depends on the raw materials used. Young pu-erh gives a light infusion, its taste is characterized by notes of dried fruits. More mature tea is brewed into a dark drink with notes of chocolate and nuts in the aroma. up to 5 times, with each tea leaves the taste changes, revealing new facets.

(after about half an hour). Consuming on an empty stomach can cause stomach pain and heartburn.

IMPORTANT! Moderation is important when drinking tea. In case of an overdose, headache, nausea and discomfort in the intestines may occur.

In the homeland of pu-erh tea (smoked tea), in China, this drink was consumed a thousand years ago. Even then, it was considered curative, and therefore was available only to rich people.

Over time, from the category of healing, he moved into the category of the most beloved tea drinks by the Chinese. But due to the specifics and labor intensity of production, it remained one of the most expensive.

Today it can be bought in specialized stores in the form of small tiles or by weight. It is noteworthy that no special conditions are required for storing ready-made pu-erh tea - it retains its taste for a long time.

Pu-erh tea has become one of the most popular in the world due to its unsurpassed beneficial properties. Its tonic and invigorating properties can be compared with good coffee, despite the fact that there is very little caffeine in it.

For memory and attention

Experts believe that pu-erh tea is able to keep the body in good shape throughout a long working day. And if you drink this healthy drink constantly, you can not worry about health.

Drinking a cup on the eve of the upcoming exam, you are sure to get an A, because this amazing tea helps focus and clarifies the train of thought.

Knowledge workers will benefit from including pu-erh tea among their favorite drinks. Good performance will be guaranteed.

For weight loss

For those who want to lose weight, this is an excellent and very effective tool.

Due to the ability to burn excess fat, pu-erh will help to make the figure slim and attractive in a relatively short time.

In addition, it removes toxins from the body, which contributes to overall health and rejuvenation.

For the liver

The beneficial properties of this tea include a thorough cleansing of the liver. The liver, like no other organ, accumulates waste products that enter with food. It is easy to guess what the liver of an average mature person looks like and how many harmful substances it contains. It is sometimes difficult for the liver to remove toxins and toxins in order to keep the body clean, especially if the owner is promiscuous and unrestrained in food.

Wonderful pu-erh tea helps the liver to remove all the accumulated debris from the body. For this alone, it can be elevated to the rank of the most useful drinks.

For the heart and blood vessels

People suffering from hypertension, which negatively affects thinking, are advised to drink such tea constantly so that their life becomes more fulfilling, full of bright thoughts and adequate actions.

Scientists have noticed another useful ability - to reduce bad cholesterol, which plays a significant role in the treatment of hypertension. In fact, for hypertensive patients, pu-erh tea is a great alternative to drugs.

Other medicinal properties

This Chinese tea is useful for diabetic patients, because it significantly reduces blood sugar levels. To maintain the spiritual and physical condition of the body, doctors often prescribe pu-erh for cores.

The very same tea can bring a person out of a strong intoxication. To do this, you need to give the patient pu-erh as often as possible, up to complete sobering up.

For people suffering from gastric and duodenal ulcers, pu-erh tea is not contraindicated, but, on the contrary, is very useful. Due to its medicinal properties, this drink can successfully treat inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract.

Having gained popularity in many countries, pu-erh tea has become a trendsetter in the field of elite drinks and is unlikely to give way to any other tea. At least in the near future.

How to choose

High-quality Pu-erh tea has a pleasant aroma, similar to the aroma of dried fruits, sometimes figs.

There are varieties of pu-erh slightly earthy. Pressed raw materials do not have too small a sheet and do not crumble like tea bags, large light leaves (buds) are visible, it is easily separated from the base with a special knife, without turning into fine dust.

How to brew

Porcelain or glass teapots are best suited for brewing Pu-erh tea.

It can also be brewed in individual cups or bowls. One teaspoon of loose tea is enough for one cup.

The brewing of pressed pu-erh is slightly different from that of loose pu-erh. Having broken off a piece from a tea tile, fill it with boiling water and immediately drain it to wash off the production dust, then drain it again and leave it for 2-3 minutes.

The brewing temperature for green tea, both for loose and pressed tea, ranges from 80 to 90 degrees, for black - from 90 to 100 degrees.

Having picked up the right utensils for brewing, you can enjoy not only its wonderful taste and extraordinary aroma, but also its amazing delicate color. Meet - this is a healthy tea called puerh.