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Important Note: While we at Purcraftea are neither licensed medical professionals nor scientific researchers, we wholeheartedly believe in the numerous health benefits of drinking Ripe Pu erh Tea (a fermented dark tea with complex flavors) and Raw Pu erh Tea (a stronger, more natural, unfermented tea similar to green tea).
We’ve gathered scientific evidence and studies supporting the 7 health benefits of drinking Pu erh tea (both raw and ripe) and how it can be a great addition to your diet. Not only is it packed full of health benefits, it’s also extremely tasty. Many newcomers start with ripe Puerh tea due to its smooth, creamy complexity and woody aroma.
Know what is the difference between Ripe Puerh Tea and Raw Puerh Tea.
As a precaution, while we provide evidence from the scientific community, it doesn’t mean you should take our word as absolute truth.
Scientific evidence is constantly evolving and can be supported or challenged by new methods or technologies. Our goal is to provide you with the information and help you make the most informed decision. Before adding Puerh tea to your diet as a supplement, it’s always best to consult with your doctor.
Without further ado, here are the 7 major benefits of drinking pu erh tea and why you should consider adding it to your diet at home:
1. Anti-inflammatory
Comparative studies are likely to confirm that compounds in puerh tea can help reduce inflammation. Especially on raw puerh tea, drinking it in moderation may alleviate mild joint pain or symptoms of chronic inflammation. Puerh tea demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting specific pathways in immune cells. These anti-inflammatory benefits of drinking Pu erh tea are generally subtle and should not replace proper medical treatment for inflammation. Consider combining Pu-erh tea with ginger or turmeric for added effect.
2. Antioxidants
It has been proven that the benefits of drinking pu erh tea, and especially raw Pu erh lie in its abundance of antioxidants. Rich in polyphenols, Puerh tea helps combat oxidative stress. Incorporating Puerh tea into your diet may reduce cellular damage and the effects of aging. The effects might not be immediate and could take months or years to become noticeable. For best results, include Pu-erh tea as part of a diet rich in antioxidants.
3. Digestion
This study shows that the fermentation process of ripe Puerh tea promotes beneficial gut bacteria, potentially aiding digestion and reducing bloating. The phenolic content of ripe Puerh tea can aid digestion through its antioxidant properties.
Puerh tea can provide mild improvements for digestion, especially when digesting fatty substances like greasy foods. Digestion improvement is just one of the beneifts of puerh tea. it is wise to drink ripe puerh tea, due to common knowledge of its probiotics and polyphenols.
While not a cure for most ailments, it empirically helped me improve my feeling of wellbeing during my bout of gastritis (digestion issues), which lasted for a few weeks while in Mexico. It’s still a good idea to drink Puerh Tea (especially raw) moderately if you have any stomach problems.
4. Weight Loss
Studies like this show some moderately valid results, with some practical support. It’s been shown that one of the benefits of drinking Pu erh tea is a boost in fat metabolism and a reduction of LDL cholesterol, both contributing positively to weight management. In this study, daily consumption of Puerh for 12 weeks led to significant reductions in body fat and improvements in lipid profiles among individuals with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However most research involves small sample sizes or animal models.
Drinking unsweetened pure Puerh tea before meals may aid digestion and reduce calorie absorption. Puerh teas can also be paired with certain foods. However, don’t rely on Puerh tea as the holy grail for weight loss. The benefits of drinking pu erh tea for weight loss are subtle and are best used with proper diet and exercise.
5. Diabetes Management and Prevention
Studies show that one of the benefits of drinking pu erh tea is moderately valid but cannot be standalone. Puerh tea can help regulate blood sugar by slowing carbohydrate digesting enzymes absorption. This meta-analysis shows that Puerh tea can help inhibiting enzymes involved in carbohydrate digestion. Consuming tea after meals can aid in stabilizing post-meal blood sugar spikes. Do not replace diabetes medication with tea, and consult with your physician first for proper integration and management.
6. Cognitive Health
Here, studies show moderate validity that compounds in Puerh tea, like theanine and polyphenols, may promote brain health and reduce declines in cognitive function. Puerh tea has neuroprotective effects by inhibiting special receptors in the brain, potentially benefiting cognitive health. However human trials are thus far limited and evidence preliminary.
I find that when I drink tea in the morning or afternoon, I feel an increased focus in daily tasks like reading, exercise, or discoursing with friends or colleagues. One of the other benefits of drinking Pu erh tea is increased relaxation. Try listening to some relaxing tunes in this tea ceremony playlist.
Be advised that effects on long-term health are not well studied, and this may only affect short-term results. Exercise and mental stimulation combined with tea are excellent choices for brain boosting habits.
7. Cardiovascular Support
In the scientific community, the benefits of drinking pu erh tea are moderately valid for cholesterol and inflammation. Studies find that regular consumption may lower LDL cholesterol and improve blood lipid profiles. Theabrownin, a component in Puerh tea, influences gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism, thereby benefiting cardiovascular health. Drinking ripe Puerh after meals can help manage cholesterol levels. However, the results are slight or gradual and are best supplemented with a heart-healthy diet and smart lifestyle. Additionally its direct effects on cardiovascular outcomes (heart attack prevention) lack robust evidence.
Try it Out in Your Home
It’s clear that substituting raw tea, ripe tea, or any type of Puerh tea can bring numerous health results to your diet. Now that you’re ready to explore the complex flavors of Puerh tea and experience its benefits firsthand, we recommend starting with our rich, smooth, and complex Princess Qi Ripe Puerh or Tea Spirit Ripe Puerh teas. If you prefer a bolder, smokier green tea profile, try our raw teas: Bee King Raw Puerh or Pa Aileng Raw Puerh.
For more research on the benefits of drinking Pu erh tea as a part of your diet, check out 10 Science-Backed Benefits of Puerh Tea, all supported by scientific evidence.
