Tea and Life
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Tea is the best drink for many people, but drinking tea improperly in the summer can affect your health. Common teas are mainly divided into several major categories: green tea, light tea (including oolong tea, Tieguanyin, Dahongpao), black tea, and dark tea (Pu-erh tea). This classification is generally based on the degree of fermentation of the tea leaves, from low to high.
Generally speaking, green tea and Tieguanyin from the light tea category are considered "cool" teas due to their low degree of fermentation. Oolong tea and Dahongpao from the light tea category are "neutral" teas, while black tea and Pu-erh tea are "warm" teas. People's constitutions vary between "heat-dry" and "deficient-cold," and teas, through different processing techniques, also have "cool" and "warm" properties. Therefore, there are considerations for tea drinking based on one's constitution. Individuals with a "heat-dry" constitution should drink "cool" teas, while those with a "deficient-cold" constitution should drink "warm" teas. Tea contains theophylline, tea pigments, and tea polyphenols, which can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, reduce lipid deposition on blood vessel walls, and have health benefits such as preventing atherosclerosis, lowering blood pressure, and acting as an anticoagulant and thrombolytic agent. Drinking tea helps keep the mind clear, but one should not drink too much or too strong tea to avoid stimulating the nervous system.
Experts suggest that people with habits of smoking and drinking, who are prone to "heatiness" and have a heavier build (i.e., those with a "heat-dry" constitution) should drink "cool" teas. Those with a "deficient-cold" stomach and intestines, who feel bloated and uncomfortable after eating bitter melon or watermelon, or who are constitutionally weak, should drink "neutral" or "warm" teas. Elderly people are suitable for drinking black tea and Pu-erh tea. However, it is particularly important to note that Kuding tea has a strong "cool" nature and is better than other teas in clearing heat and toxins, softening blood vessels, and lowering blood lipids. It is most suitable for people with a "heat-dry" constitution, but it is absolutely not suitable for those with a "deficient-cold" constitution. The constitutions of modern urban people cannot be simply divided into "heat-dry" and "deficient-cold." Some people exhibit characteristics of both: they may be overweight and prone to "heatiness," yet experience diarrhea after eating raw or cold foods. Others may be thin with a weak spleen and stomach but also very "heat-dry." Some people have unhealthy lifestyles such as smoking, drinking, and staying up late, leading to diverse constitutions. However, each person's constitution will show primary symptoms, and tea drinking should be based on these main symptoms. Additionally, nutrition experts remind that it is not advisable to drink tea on an empty stomach or at night. Drinking tea on an empty stomach allows the tea's nature to enter the lungs and stomach, which can harm the spleen and stomach, and even cause "tea drunkenness," with symptoms like palpitations and dizziness. Since ancient times, China has had the saying, "Do not drink tea on an empty stomach."