Benefits of Red Tea

What Are the Benefits of Red Tea?

Red tea is known for its numerous health benefits, mainly due to its antioxidant and fermented properties. However, it doesn’t always receive the same attention as other types of tea. In this article, we will explore the properties and benefits of red tea in general, so you can discover why this infusion should be part of your daily routine.

What is Red Tea?

Red tea is not a single type of tea. In some cultures, the term "red tea" is used to describe teas with a special oxidation process, while others use it to refer to black tea due to its dark color. As for pu-erh red tea, it is a special type of fermented tea that comes from the Yunnan province in China. This tea is made from the leaves of a tree known as the "old wild tree" and can be found in compressed "cakes" or loose-leaf form.

Although pu-erh red tea is the most famous, there are also other types of red tea, such as rooibos, which is a shrub from South Africa and does not come from the traditional tea plant.

Benefits of Red Tea and Its Properties

1. Helps with Weight Loss

One of the greatest benefits of red tea is its ability to aid in weight loss. Various studies have shown that pu-erh tea can accelerate metabolism, helping to burn fat and reduce the formation of new fat in the body. Additionally, as a fermented tea, it introduces beneficial probiotics that promote more efficient digestion and improve blood sugar control, which is key to maintaining a healthy weight.

Pu-erh tea is a fermented tea, which introduces beneficial probiotics for gut health. You can learn more about the benefits of probiotics in this article.

2. Improves Cholesterol Levels

Another significant benefit of red tea is its positive impact on cholesterol levels. It has been proven that pu-erh red tea helps reduce cholesterol by increasing the excretion of fat in the stool, which prevents fat from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Additionally, this tea can help reduce the accumulation of fat in the body, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease.

3. May Improve Liver Health

Red tea also has properties that favor liver health. By reducing the accumulation of fat, it may help prevent or reverse conditions such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Some studies in animals also suggest that pu-erh tea extract could protect the liver from damage caused by medications. Although these studies are still in preliminary stages, the results are promising.

Red Tea - Side Effects

Most of the side effects of red tea come from its caffeine content. Depending on the strength of the infusion, pu-erh tea can contain between 30 and 100 mg of caffeine per cup. Most people can tolerate up to 400 mg of caffeine per day. With this in mind, we should be aware that an excess of caffeine can cause:

• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Changes in heart rhythm
• Dehydration
• Diarrhea or excessive urination

Since fermented foods can affect gut bacteria concentrations, pu-erh tea can also impact digestion and cause some digestive discomfort. As always, the key is moderation, with 2 or 3 cups of red tea per day being ideal. At the Cafés Granell tea and infusions shop, you can explore the wide selection of teas we have available for you.

How to Properly Prepare Pu-erh Tea

If you want to enjoy red tea, here’s a simple way to prepare it:

What You Need:

• Pu-erh tea: 3 to 4 grams of tea per cup you wish to prepare
• Boiling water
• A teapot with a strainer
• Tea cups
• Optional extras such as cream, milk, or sweetener

Steps:

1. Place the pu-erh tea in the teapot and add enough boiling water to cover the leaves, then discard the water. Repeat this step once more, ensuring you discard the water. This "rinse" helps ensure a high-quality tea.
2. Fill the teapot with boiling water and let the tea steep for 2 minutes. You can steep it for a longer or shorter period depending on your flavor preferences.
3. Pour the tea into tea cups and add any "extras" you desire.

Pu-erh Red Tea at Cafés Granell

After learning about all the benefits of red tea, if you’re ready to try an authentic and high-quality version, at Cafés Granell we offer pu-erh red tea in different formats. From our liquorized pu-erh red tea to the pu-erh red tea with licorice in pyramid bags, all of our teas are crafted to provide you with a healthy and delicious experience.

Red tea is an excellent choice to incorporate into your daily diet, thanks to its antioxidant properties, digestive benefits, and its ability to help with weight loss and cholesterol control. If you’re looking for a red tea with specific health benefits, pu-erh red tea is an excellent option that will help you enjoy all of these effects.

At Cafés Granell, you’ll find the best pu-erh red tea, which will allow you to enjoy all its advantages in a practical and delightful way.