Did you know that classic pu-erh takes about 15 years to ferment? After such exposure, it speeds up metabolism and reduces appetite. Get 5 recipes for brewing tea and lose weight without dieting or exercising!
Author: Kristina Lobanovskaya, doctor, practicing nutritionist Article updated: 11/10/2020
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Pu-erh is a famous Chinese tea that has numerous beneficial properties. It differs from ordinary tea in its specific production technology, which affects its taste. “Wet stacking” is a process during which the leaves and buds of the tea bush are laid out in piles, watered and left to rot. It is during this period that fermentation occurs - natural (7-8 years) or accelerated (30-100 days - under the control of technologists) aging. Naturally aged tea is called Puer Shen, while artificially aged tea is called Shu. During the fermentation process, tea leaves are enriched with amino acids, polyphenols and essential oils. This is its peculiarity: compared to other teas, Chinese pu-erh tea becomes more spectacular over time, and the bouquet of its aromas opens up and acquires additional shades - akin to cognac. Classic aging is about 15 years.
This tea can be found on sale in briquettes, sheets, pressed and nested. Due to its effective action, it is actively used in the fight against excess weight. So, with regular consumption of Chinese tea (2-3 cups daily), you can lose 5-10 kilograms in 2-3 months.
Beneficial features
- Invigorating and tonic effect reduces drowsiness and improves mental performance.
- Increased immunity, prevention of cancer, viral infections and a rejuvenating effect are achieved thanks to the antioxidants contained.
- Reduced appetite and suppressed cravings for sweets.
- Reducing cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
- Improved digestion.
- Normalization of metabolism and acceleration of metabolism.
- Mild diuretic and laxative effect.
- Removing waste and toxins from the body.
- Improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system, preventing heart attack, stroke, thrombophlebitis.
How to prepare pu-erh for weight loss
The main condition for obtaining the desired effect - weight loss and overall health of the body - is the correct brewing of tea.
To prepare the drink, use soft purified water and glass or porcelain dishes. Before brewing, the tea must be placed in a strainer and rinsed with water at room temperature for 10-15 seconds. In order not to spoil the taste of the drink and not to deprive it of its beneficial properties, do not use boiling water for brewing. The water temperature should be approximately 85-90°C. 150 ml of water requires 3-4 g of product. The first brew (no more than 15 seconds) should be drained, since its task is to “awaken” the taste and beneficial properties of tea. In addition, if you leave the first brew too long, the drink will taste bitter. After the second brew (1-3 minutes) it is ready for use.
Pu-erh can be brewed up to 5 times - it does not lose its taste, health benefits and effective weight loss qualities.
Pu'er with honey
Those who like to drink tea with the addition of honey will be disappointed: pu-erh does not tolerate any sweeteners, as they deprive the drink of its taste and do not reduce appetite.
The effect of pu-erh on milk
It is important not to confuse milk pu-erh with milk pu-erh. Milk tea is one of the varieties of tea. It has milky caramel notes and a delicate aftertaste. With milk - a method of preparing tea, for which Pu-erh Shu and milk of 1.5 - 2.5% fat content are used (8 g of product per 500 ml of milk). Infuse with milk longer than with water - 10-15 minutes.
Pu-erh with milk has a slightly intoxicating effect, which, however, is not similar to the state of alcoholic intoxication. The tea tree leaves from which it is made contain theanine and theine - active substances responsible for transmitting impulses to the nerve endings of the brain, stimulating the heart and blood vessels. It is these elements that contribute to a mild feeling of euphoria, accelerating blood circulation and oxygenating the cells. The effect allows you to feel relaxation, harmony with the world around you, and enhances attention and concentration.
Production Features
Pu-erh is a unique product of its kind for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is produced exclusively from elements of the large-leaf tea tree from Yunnan province. The older and more massive the plant, the higher the quality of the leaves collected from it. The world famous Chinese tea is made exclusively from large, juicy and fleshy leaves.
Secondly, it takes a lot of time for the harvested leaves to reach the desired condition. First they are pressed, turning them into pucks. They oxidize naturally, and this stage may take several years.
In this way, an elite pu-erh that is unique in its properties is created, which can be very expensive. Nowadays, an option has been invented that allows the production of tea composition much faster.
To do this, the leaves are collected in piles and watered. This triggers the processes of reproduction of special microorganisms, which, through their vital activity, increase the temperature in the bale and stimulate the production of juice.
This fermentation process is controlled by specialists who dry the preparations and, if necessary, wet them again, preventing the mass from rotting. The last stage is the same in any case. The oxidized raw material is pressed and given a special shape, by which you can identify the manufacturer or type of product. One puck can weigh up to several kilograms.
Today, the most popular are miniature balls designed for one brew.
How to drink for weight loss
Pu-erh should be consumed warm, not hot. Despite the abundance of beneficial properties, this tea is highly recommended to be taken only after meals, as it can have a negative effect on the stomach.
There are two ways to take pu-erh for weight loss. The first method is to use pure tincture. To prepare it, tea should be brewed in the traditional way, but steeped for 30 minutes. 200 ml of the drink should be drunk 20-30 minutes before a meal (this reduces appetite), 100 ml - 30 minutes after a meal. This technique serves as a signal about the end of the meal, which will allow you to refrain from the desire to snack on sweets or have an unplanned snack. To prepare the tincture, you should use fresh tea leaves each time.
The second way is to replace one of the meals with tea. For example, 250 ml of pu-erh can be an alternative to dinner, since you cannot refuse breakfast and lunch. However, it is not recommended to drink it less than 2 hours before bedtime, as the invigorating effect can cause insomnia.
To make the weight loss process more effective, it is recommended to include 200-300 g of brown rice, which is an excellent adsorbent, in your diet daily. For example, for lunch you can eat 200 g of boiled rice and 100 g of salad from any fresh vegetables with the addition of olive oil.
How many times a day can you drink pu-erh for weight loss?
To achieve the desired result, it is recommended to drink 3 cups of pu-erh for weight loss per day - no more. However, remember that tea is an aid. It is effective only if you follow proper nutrition and exercise. To lose weight without harming your body, eat a balanced diet (the best option is split meals 4-6 times a day) and exercise at least half an hour daily.
Which is better - loose or tea bags?
Pu-erh tea bags for safe weight loss - bags with plant leaves, designed for approximately one cup. The material used for teabags is silk, cotton or paper, which makes it more expensive compared to loose teas. Despite the convenience and speed of brewing, the bags most often contain a low-quality variety or its waste.
Buying tea in bags or using loose tea is everyone’s business, but it is worth remembering that a bagged drink will be of lower quality, and its price will be higher due to packaging costs. It is stored in small portions and quickly loses its flavor. To preserve it, manufacturers add flavorings or make additional packaging, which makes it more expensive. If the bag material is of poor quality, the tea becomes saturated with foreign odors and loses its taste.
Diet
The diet is low-calorie and involves the consumption of pu-erh for weight loss as a catalyst for metabolic processes. You should stick to it for no longer than 7 days. During this time, you can lose 3–7 kg, depending on your initial weight.
Menu
Breakfast: 200 g of oatmeal with water or milk (1.5% fat) + 1 teaspoon of honey. After 20 minutes - 200 ml of drink.
Lunch: 200 g of boiled turkey or chicken fillet, 100 g of Chinese cabbage. After 20 minutes - 200 ml of drink.
Dinner: 200 g of cottage cheese (5-7% fat). After 20 minutes - 200 ml of drink.
During the diet, it is recommended to take daily walks, take a contrast shower and drink 1.5 clean water daily.
Contraindications
- It is contraindicated to drink on an empty stomach, as it stimulates the production of gastric juice, which can cause severe pain, heartburn and cramps.
- Presence of stones in the kidneys and gall bladder.
- Instability of blood pressure.
- Peptic ulcer of the stomach, duodenum, ulcerative colitis.
- Increased body temperature.
- Oncological diseases.
- Hypertension and atherosclerosis.
Pu'er during pregnancy
In the absence of individual sensitivity to caffeine contained in all types of tea, drinking during pregnancy is permissible. In limited quantities, this drink will not harm the expectant mother. The acceptable norm is to drink 2 cups of weak tea (brewed for 1-2 minutes) per day.
Before consuming during pregnancy, you should consult your doctor.
Selecting a quality product
Pu-erh is often counterfeited, so you should be careful when purchasing:
- Do not buy pu-erh from unknown companies in unverified places. The main suppliers of this drink to our market are the brands “Shuangjiang Mengkui”, “Menghai” and “Xiaguan”;
- Look where the seller stores the goods. Tea is always stored in a dry and dark place;
- If they try to sell you pu-erh in a sealed package, it’s a fake. To avoid mold, the original sheets are packaged in special materials.
Reviews and results of losing weight
Marina Kolesnichenko, 31 years old, St. Petersburg. Weight change: from 65 to 60 kg
“I am a lover of exotic varieties of tea and coffee; I have a whole collection at home. Of course, there simply could not be puerh in it. A friend brought it to me. It so happened that over the winter I gained 5 kg, and this forced me to start losing weight. Pu-erh became my choice, since I do not accept starvation diets. For three months I enjoyed drinking it at home and at work. Sometimes I drank only one cup a day, sometimes three. I didn’t set any strict restrictions for myself - the craving for sweets (my main problem) decreased. Of course, I minimized my consumption of fatty and floury foods, moved a lot - I tried to do exercises at home and just walk a lot. Sometimes I would do fasting days on brown rice. At the same time, I never felt hungry. During this time, I lost five kilograms and noticed an improvement in the condition of my skin and hair: my skin cleared up and my hair gained a healthy shine. I think it's all a matter of preference. I drank and drink pu-erh with pleasure. But if you don’t like the taste, it’s better to choose another method of fighting excess weight.”
Ksenia Elizarova, 26 years old, Yaroslavl. Weight change: from 63 to 57 kg
“Paradoxically, I managed to lose weight by accident. The fact is that my bad experience with strict diets forced me to abandon such experiments once and for all. Overall, I was happy with my figure, but I still wanted to get rid of the fat on my stomach and hips. Pu-erh attracted me with positive reviews, its taste and invigorating effect - after a cup of tea, it was as if a second wind woke up in me, and this is important for my work. I note that even good coffee does not have this effect on me. But I think this is purely individual. This tea really suppresses appetite well and helps you effortlessly forget about sweets - you just don’t want them. I drank it almost every day, sometimes a cup of tea replaced my dinner. I decided to weigh myself when I felt that my favorite jeans were getting too big for me. So I discovered that in six months I lost 6 kilograms. This was a very pleasant surprise for me.”
Indications for use
Almost everyone can drink pu-erh - rich in nutrients, it is useful for the following conditions:
- gastritis, ulcers, digestive problems;
- swelling of the limbs;
- increased appetite;
- chronic fatigue, drowsiness.
For weight loss
Benefits of Pu-erh for weight loss:
- The drink allows you to get rid of excess weight without stressing the body. Thus, Pu-erh reduces the feeling of hunger and maintains satiety for a long time after a meal. Tea speeds up metabolism, thereby burning fat deposits.
- The drug is responsible for the rapid digestibility of food and the absorption of valuable enzymes into the blood. As a result of losing weight, a person does not feel malaise, apathy, or bad mood.
- Pu-erh removes excess fluid, fighting swelling of the limbs and tissues of internal organs. Tea improves intestinal permeability and regulates portion sizes.
- If the reason for the appearance of excess weight is associated with the inability to control the amount of food eaten, make it a habit to drink tea a third of an hour before a meal. Your stomach will be full and you will eat less.
- For people who prefer to adhere to very strict diets, Pu-erh is essential. The drink replenishes the lack of the “hormone of joy”, thereby the fight against body weight takes place in high spirits.
- Take the drink three times a day, 100-150 ml.
You should not get carried away with tea, otherwise you risk experiencing partial vitamin deficiency, headaches and high blood pressure.
For digestion
Benefits of Pu-erh for digestion:
- The effect of the drink on the digestive system deserves a separate topic. Pu-erh is recommended to be taken for duodenitis, ulcers, and gastritis. The drug does not increase the acidity of the stomach, as regular black or green tea does.
- Soft enveloping properties protect the mucous membranes of internal organs without irritating them. In this case, maximum stimulation of the digestive tract is achieved, food is absorbed faster.
- In addition, Pu-erh has a laxative effect, cleansing the body even of old toxins. The drug removes poisons, heavy metals, radionuclides, and fights stagnation in the intestines.
- The drink tones the bile ducts and has a beneficial effect on the bladder. Pu-erh restores liver function and the structure of the internal organ.
- Drinking tea will relieve you of a constant feeling of heaviness in the stomach, heartburn, bloating and other unpleasant symptoms. Pu-erh improves appetite and promotes the rapid breakdown of ethyl alcohol during a hangover.
- To enhance the antioxidant properties of the drug, you need to add a little brown sugar and milk to the composition. In addition, such manipulations saturate the body faster.
At low pressure
Does Pu-erh raise or lower blood pressure? The tonic properties of the drink are very useful for hypotensive people. Tea raises blood pressure, without causing harm to the body, and restores vigor and physical strength.
For the circulatory system
With regular use, Pu-erh qualitatively improves blood composition: reduces “bad” cholesterol and sugar levels, removes toxins and harmful substances.
For the nervous system
A high-quality drink has an excellent tonic effect. Pu-erh tea invigorates even better than coffee and energy drinks, but does not harm the body.
The drink helps you focus and concentrate, improves clarity of thoughts.
Reviews from doctors and specialists
Tatyana Kocherzhuk, therapist, Kyiv
“There is an opinion that pu-erh has a fat-burning effect. This is wrong. Its effect is the same as that of regular black or green tea - tonic, invigorating. The fat layer in the body can only decrease by reducing the daily calorie intake and increasing physical activity, which is no secret to anyone. This is an aid. You drink a cup of tea and fill your stomach. That is, you won’t eat much. Perhaps this tea will help you curb your sweet tooth if you have a sweet tooth. Or it will increase your endurance while working out in the gym. But if you don’t watch your diet and don’t exercise (at least don’t do exercises), you won’t be able to lose weight with pu-erh. If you love this tea, drink it for pleasure, but do not overuse it. To lose weight, review your diet and diet, and don’t forget about physical activity.”
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