Well known are black, oolong, and green tea, even white tea is becoming more and more popular in the West today, but there is another true tea that deserves some sumptuous recognition - pu erh tea. Stumbled upon in China in the days of tea caravans that winded throughout Asia, pu erh is processed in the same way as green tea - picked, withered, heated, and rolled, but it is then exposed to humidity and time, yielding a fermented tea. It is known as a vitality tea in China, and has been treated as an elixir for well over one thousand years.
Pu erh is made from the leaves of the same camellia sinensis plant, although it generally comes from broad-leafed varieties from older, and sometimes wild tea plants. It is said that these leaves have a higher and more-developed nutritional content, adding to the healing and restorative qualities of pu erh tea. Being fermented, pu erh carries similar beneficial bacteria to fermented foods such as yogurt and kefir. Therefore, pu erh has the same powerful antioxidants as other true teas, the polyphenols, catechins, and flavonoids, but it also has the beneficial probiotics from fermentation.
Pu erh tea is reputed to promote longevity, help with digestion, weight loss, eye health, and heart health. It has been proven in studies to lower cholesterol levels. It also has been shown to help the body break down waste and fatty build-ups, helping the body to eliminate fat and other toxins. Pu erh is often served after greasy or rich meals to help settle the stomach.
Comments
Thanks for an informative article. No one ever told me before that Puer is going to have the healthy probiotics of "good bacteria" like yogurt and kefir. It's a real reason for me to consider drinking more Puer Tea.
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