Because new tea has a short storage time, it contains a relatively high amount of unoxidized substances such as polyphenols, aldehydes, and alcohols, which have a strong irritating effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa and can easily induce stomach problems. Therefore, new tea should be consumed in moderation, and new tea stored for less than half a month should be avoided.
II. Drinking the First Brew
Due to contamination from pesticides and other harmful substances during the cultivation and processing of tea, there is always a certain amount of residue on the tea leaf surface. Therefore, the first brew, which has a washing effect, should be discarded.
III. Drinking Tea on an Empty Stomach
Drinking tea on an empty stomach can dilute gastric juice, reduce digestive function, and increase water absorption rate, causing a large amount of undesirable tea components to enter the bloodstream, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, and weakness.
IV. Drinking Tea After Meals
Tea contains a large amount of tannic acid, which can react with iron in food to form a difficult-to-dissolve new substance. Over time, this can lead to iron deficiency in the body and even induce anemia. The correct method is to drink tea one hour after a meal.
V. Drinking Tea While Having a Fever
Tea contains theophylline, which has the effect of raising body temperature. For a person with a fever, drinking tea is like "adding fuel to the fire."
VI. Drinking Tea for Patients with Ulcers
The caffeine in tea can promote gastric acid secretion, increase gastric acid concentration, and induce ulcers or even perforation.
VII. Drinking Tea During Menstruation
Drinking tea during menstruation, especially strong tea, can induce or aggravate premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Medical experts have found that compared to non-tea drinkers, the odds of developing menstrual tension were 2.4 times higher for those with a tea-drinking habit, and 3 times higher for those who drank more than 4 cups of tea per day.
VIII. Sticking to One Tea
The climate changes with the four seasons of the year, so the type of tea consumed should be adjusted accordingly. In spring, it is advisable to drink scented tea, which can dispel the cold accumulated in the body during winter and promote the generation of yang energy. In summer, green tea is recommended; its bitter and cold nature can clear heat, relieve summer heat, detoxify, enhance gastrointestinal function, promote digestion, prevent diarrhea, and skin infections. In autumn, oolong tea is suitable; it is neither cold nor hot and can completely eliminate the remaining heat in the body, restoring a sweet and warm nature to make one feel refreshed. In winter, black tea is best; it is sweet and warm, rich in protein, and has a certain nourishing effect.
Correct Way to Brew Green Tea
1. When brewing green tea, control the water temperature to around 80°C-90°C. If brewing green tea powder, use warm water at around 40°C-60°C. The ratio is 2 grams of green tea powder to 450cc of boiled water.
2. Do not drink the first brew of the tea. After pouring the hot water, just swirl it and then discard it.
3. Brewed tea should be consumed within 30-60 minutes; otherwise, the nutrients in the tea will become unstable.
4. Green tea powder should not be brewed too strongly, as it will affect gastric juice secretion. Drinking on an empty stomach