Common Misconceptions and Health Benefits of Brewing Black Tea

Black tea is a type of tea with high nutritional value. It is named black tea because of its dark color when brewed. When brewing black tea, it is important to use boiling water, preferably heated in a cast iron pot, and the water should be heated to 100 degrees Celsius to bring out the flavor of black tea. Let's now explore some misconceptions about brewing black tea.
 

　　[Misconceptions about brewing black tea]

　　Misconception 1: Not washing the tea before drinking

　　Washing the tea is a crucial step when brewing black tea. Black tea is highly dependent on its age and even well-preserved tea can still accumulate some floating dust.

　　The correct method for washing the tea is to put the black tea in the tea set and pour boiling water clockwise until the water just covers the tea leaves. The washing time should not be too long, ideally three to five seconds, and the water should be poured out immediately after the washing time is up.

　　Misconception 2: Using water with too low temperature

　　Unlike yellow tea and green tea, which can be brewed with water at 70°C to 80°C, black tea is best brewed with water at 95°C to 100°C. If the water temperature is too low, the true flavor of black tea cannot be fully extracted.

　　Misconception 3: Brewing tea for the whole day in a thermos

　　Some people like to put a handful of black tea in a thermos and brew it for the whole day. However, drinking tea brewed in this way does not allow one to truly taste the flavor of black tea.
 

　　[Benefits of drinking black tea]

　　1. Helps with sleep

　　Black tea has a calming and soothing effect. Drinking black tea does not affect sleep; on the contrary, it can improve sleep quality. Long-term consumption can also help prevent insomnia and nervousness.

　　2. Good for stomach health

　　Drinking raw or semi-fermented tea can be irritating to the stomach, but drinking black tea is gentle on the stomach. Black tea is fully fermented, and the stimulating substances have been transformed through a long period of fermentation and the interaction of numerous beneficial microorganisms, resulting in no stimulation to the gastrointestinal tract.

　　3. Weight loss and cholesterol reduction

　　Black tea contains a large amount of tea polysaccharides, which can lower blood lipid levels and reduce the activity of peroxides in the blood. Regular consumption of black tea can also eliminate grease in the body, preventing obesity.

　　4. Hangover remedy and detoxification

　　The diuretic function of caffeine in black tea is achieved by promoting the filtration rate of water in the urine through the kidneys. At the same time, the stimulating effect of caffeine on the bladder can assist in diuresis and help with hangover and detoxification.
 

　　[Methods of drinking black tea]

　　1. Honey black tea

　　Black tea and honey are a perfect match. Both are rich in nutrients and have various benefits, including clearing the intestines and detoxifying. The mild nature of black tea and its significant function in protecting the stomach can counteract the stimulating effect of honey on the cold natured digestive system. Long-term consumption also helps prevent colds.

　　2. Chrysanthemum black tea

　　Combine black tea and chrysanthemum in a ratio of 3:1 and brew them together for a refreshing taste. Chrysanthemum can clear heat and detoxify, while black tea has a mild nature. Drinking them together can harmonize their properties and enhance their effects. This combination is suitable for people with a hot constitution.

　　3. Goji berry black tea

　　Add some goji berries to black tea and brew them together for a refreshing taste. Goji berries have the effect of improving eyesight, and black tea has the ability to counteract radiation. Drinking them together can complement each other's effects. This combination is suitable for students, office workers, and those who frequently use computers.

　　4. Orange peel black tea

　　Add dried tangerine peel or dried orange peel to black tea and brew them together. Orange peel black tea has a slightly bitter taste, but it has a good auxiliary effect in phlegm elimination, promoting smooth flow of qi, and relieving coughing.