Red tea: benefits, how to prepare it and contraindications
It is said that the root of Red tea It arose from something unexpected, unexpected, since the intention was different, and precisely in it was not the idea of creating this very important plant. As you probably know by now, especially if you read some of our previously published articles about the Red tea, and among others the pu erh red tea It is produced in Yunnan, and is obtained from a certainly millenary practice that is carried out since the beginning of the Han dynasty (approximately in the year 200 before Christ).
Not for nothing, red tea is one of the most appreciated varieties in China, which is why this tea is known as the "tea of the emperors".
For this reason, red tea is consumed in this country since time immemorial, and has important benefits and properties for health of those people who take it daily.
What is red tea?
The Red tea it's like in the West we know the pu-erh tea, whose name precisely comes from the Pu'er region of Yunnan (China), where it originally and traditionally comes from. For hundreds of years only the Chinese nobility could enjoy this variety of tea. However, today it is a very widespread tea, although in fact its consumption in this country is usually rather uncommon.
Traditionally, red tea is made with leaves from the treeSunshine Withering Antirhea Chinensis, an old tree - variety of Camellia sinensis-It offers a broad, natural tea leaves, not only from the southwest of China but also from regions bordering Vietnam, Tibet and Burma.
Its mature leaves are covered with fine hairs, which after being stored and stored for years (thus producing its characteristic fermentation), acquire darker tones but at the same time a milder flavor, as a consequence of their age.
In fact, after collecting fresh leaves from the tree, the fermentation process can last from 2 to 60 years. This fermentation is usually done in the traditional way as it was done centuries ago in bamboo barrels, which helps the leaves reach that characteristic reddish color.
The wonderful benefits of red tea
Helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides
Do you have the high cholesterol? If so, you will probably find a good ally in red tea, especially if you consume it regularly (and, obviously, never in excessive quantities).
The reason is that it is a natural drink with interesting benefits in case of having high levels of fats in the blood, not only cholesterol but also triglycerides. This was observed in a scientific study carried out by the University of Yunnan, which found that those people who took 15 grams of red tea daily for 3 months saw how the levels of bad cholesterol and of triglyceridesthey were reduced, while good cholesterol increased.
Useful to lose weight and lose weight
It is well known that red tea is commonly used in slimming diets, precisely because of its slimming qualities. In fact, it is a recognized fat burning, with truly effective benefits.
For example, a scientific study was conducted at the university hospital in Tainan to inquire about the supposed slimming and fat burning properties of red tea. Thus, it was found that people who had participated in the study lost more than 15% of average body fat.
Improves digestion
Red tea helps the secretion of gastric acids increase, quality that translates into accelerating the metabolism of those foods that have been consumed and subsequently digested. Therefore, it is useful to facilitate and improve digestion.
This quality increases if the red tea is taken half an hour after the meal, which in turn will help the liver to function better, and its ability to filter fats is much higher.
Properties of red tea, to summarize
- It has diuretic and antibiotic properties.
- It helps regulate intestinal transit, cholesterol and metabolism.
- Among other aspects, it is known that red tea can be a good helper in those people who have the goal of lose weight, mainly because it helps effectively reduce the levels of fat in the body.
- Same as him Green Tea, has an important antioxidant activity, while having cardiovascular benefits.
- It helps to increase the defenses and also improves our immune system.
- Useful to prevent depression, by increasing the activity of our nervous system.
Side effects of red tea
- It contains caffeine and theine, so in certain people, or at excessive doses, it can cause insomnia and nervousness.
- Its use in pregnant women is not recommended.
- You can slightly increase your blood pressure.
- Mixed with milk, prevents the proper absorption of antioxidants, so necessary for our body.
- It reduces the absorption of iron.
Main contraindications of red tea: when it is not appropriate to take it
Like any tea, it contains caffeine, although in a smaller amount than coffee or green tea. It also contains theine. Both are exciting substances, which in certain people (or consumed excessively), can cause insomnia or nervousness.
They can also favor a slight increase in blood pressure, so those people who suffer from hypertension they should avoid drinking this drink until their levels are at a normal level.
It is popular that red tea is mixed with milk. However, it seems that this is not entirely correct, given that it is known that in this sense milk can prevent the proper absorption of antioxidants.
It is also known to reduce iron absorption, so it is not recommended for people who suffer from anemia. While excessive consumption can produce hepatotoxicity (4).
How to prepare red tea correctly
The truth is that preparing any tea is very simple. However, to do it well (that is, correctly) it is very important to take into account several things. On the one hand, keep in mind what is the variety of tea that we are going to take. On the other hand, know that each variety has its proper infusion time and a certain temperature.
Thus, in the case of red tea, it is essential not to exceed 95 ºC in temperature (ideally it should always be between 90 and 95 ºC), and not exceed 3 minutes of infusion.
But let's go step by step. You just have to heat the teapot with a little hot water. To do this, pour hot water into the teapot and cover it. Meanwhile, put water in a saucepan and heat it checking that they do not exceed 95 ºC in temperature. When you notice that the teapot is hot remove the water, put the amount you want of red tea in the filter of the teapot, close the lid and pour the hot water inside.
Wait for the red tea to infuse for 3 minutes. And finally, remove the filter with the red tea leaves, leave the drink inside the teapot, and serve it in cups. You can enjoy it now
Bibliography:
- Reddy S, Mishra P, Qureshi S, Nair S, Straker T. Hepatotoxicity due to red bush tea: a case report. J Clin Anesth. 2016 Dec; 35: 96-98. doi: 10.1016 / j.jclinane.2016.07.027.
