Many people have the habit of drinking tea. Tea can cleanse the intestines, calm the mind, and nourish the heart. Drinking tea in spring can also help regulate liver energy. However, the type of tea one drinks should be chosen based on their body constitution for it to be beneficial to health.
Choosing tea based on body constitution
Tea can be divided into six major categories: green tea, black tea, yellow tea, white tea, oolong tea, and dark tea. Different types of tea have different effects on the body, so choosing the right tea is important.
Green tea is cooling in nature, suitable for those with a 'hot' constitution, excess stomach heat, and high energy levels.
Black tea is warming in nature, suitable for those with a 'cold' constitution, cold hands and feet, a weak physique, or the elderly.
Oolong tea is neutral in nature, making it suitable for the widest range of people.
Dark tea (like Pu-erh) is also warming in nature. It can reduce greasiness, counteract toxins from meat, and lower blood lipids. Its taste and health benefits are improved after proper aging.
Be cautious of calcium loss from strong tea
Some people prefer strong tea, but frequent consumption can easily lead to calcium loss from the body. While the calcium content in tea should be among the highest of all plant-based foods, even surpassing calcium-rich foods like milk and tofu, the tannins, polyphenols, dietary fiber, and other active plant compounds in tea not only prevent its own calcium from being released and absorbed in the intestines but can also carry calcium that has been released by other means out of the body.
At the same time, the caffeine in tea significantly inhibits the absorption of calcium in the digestive tract and increases the excretion of calcium in urine. Therefore, even if you have a strong 'tea addiction', you must learn to control it. It's also advisable to drink more milk, eat more tofu, and supplement with vitamins and minerals when not drinking tea.