Chinese tea has a history of more than five thousand years. Initially, tea was used for medicinal purposes, and it has many benefits for human health. As times change and technology advances, a deeper understanding of tea through research has led to the realization that drinking the right tea is essential for better health.
Teas are categorized into six main types: green tea, white tea, yellow tea, oolong tea, black tea, and dark tea (including ripe Pu-erh tea). Due to the different manufacturing processes and levels of fermentation, each type of tea has distinct characteristics, which in turn determine the different effects and contraindications of each tea variety.
Green Tea
- Fermentation level: Non-fermented tea, fermentation degree <5%, with a cold nature.
- Characteristics: The dry tea leaves are green, the tea soup is green, and the brewed leaves are green. It has a delicate fragrance and a fresh, refreshing taste.
- Health Benefits: Tea catechins have anti-bacterial and anti-virus properties. Tea catechins and polysaccharides can lower blood sugar. Regulates cholesterol and high blood pressure. Improves blood flow. Bacterial killing properties in the mouth and intestines.
- Recommended to those: People who work with computers for long periods, frequent smokers, heavy drinkers, those who consume excessive greasy food, and individuals with high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
- Representative: West Lake Longjing, Anji White Leaf, Lu’an Leaf, Taiping Houkui Tea
White Tea
- Fermentation level: Slightly fermented tea, with a fermentation level of 10% to 20%, and a cold nature.
- Characteristics: The production steps are simple, with simple micro fermentation and no additional processes. The longer the white tea is stored, the higher its medicinal value.
- Health Benefits: Protecting brain neurons and enhancing memory; reducing anxiety and improving sleep; promoting fat metabolism and blood sugar balance.
- Recommended to those: Individuals with high levels of mental stress and pressure; People with poor sleep; Patients with diabetes.
- Representative: Moonlight White, Shoumei, Kung-mee , Silver Needle Pekoe, White Peony
Yellow Tea
- Fermentation level: Slightly fermented tea, with a fermentation level of 20% to 30%, and a cold nature.
- Characteristics: The tea leaves are yellow, and the tea soup is yellow. It has less freshness than green tea but offers more mellowness.
- Health Benefits: Protecting the spleen and stomach; Preventing esophageal cancer.
- Recommended to those: People with indigestion, loss of appetite, or obesity.
- Representative: Pingyang Huangtang, Huoshan Huangya, Mengding Huangya, Junshan Silver Needle.
Oolong Tea
- Fermentation level: Semi-fermented tea, with a fermentation level of 30% to 60%, and a neutral nature.
- Characteristics: green tea leaves with red edge.
- Health Benefits: Rich in vitamin C, beneficial for the skin. It can improve the performance of enzymes that break down fat and increase fat metabolism. Can lower cholesterol levels.
- Recommended to those: People with bloating, poor digestion, bad breath, dry mouth and tongue.
- Representative: Taiwan Oolong, Dahongpao, Phoenix Dancong
Black Tea
- Fermentation level: Full-fermented tea, with a fermentation level of 80% to 100%, and a warm nature.
- Characteristics: red tea leaves and red tea soup.
- Health Benefits: Rich in fluoride, promoting dental health. Promote blood circulation and regulate blood lipids; Relaxing blood vessels and reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Recommended to those: Suitable for those with a cold stomach, cold hands and feet, general weakness, and older individuals; people with low resistance; those with urinary tract issues.
- Representative: Lapsang Souchong, Keemun Black Tea, Yunnan Black Tea, Jin Jun Mei.
Dark Tea
- Fermentation level: Post fermented tea, with a fermentation degree of 100% and a warm nature.
- Characteristics: The tea leaves are coarse and aged, with a black color, and the tea soup has a rich and mellow taste.
- Health Benefits: Aids digestion and fat break down. Has been used in the treatment of arteriosclerosis, colds, bleeding and hepatitis. High level of Vitamin C which is soluble in water and can be rapidly assimilated by the body.
- Recommended to those: Obese individuals, physically weak individuals, and those who enjoy eating meat; Individuals with poor gastrointestinal function and declining energy.
- Representative: Ripe Pu erh