How does Tieguanyin tea affect the human body?
Tieguanyin is a Chinese green tea. It differs from others in that it is grown, harvested and prepared in a special way. In order to properly take this tea and at the same time it was beneficial, you need to know how it affects the human body.
Peculiarities
The leaves of this variety of tea are much larger than the leaves of other varieties. Harvesting occurs at a later time, which allows the leaves to accumulate useful substances for which this tea is valued.
"Tie Guan Yin" is translated as the Iron Goddess of Mercy. Why tea got such a name, there are many versions. One of them explains, for example, the word “iron” in the name by the fact that hard balls that form tightly folded leaves tap on the bottom of the teapot when brewed, resembling the sound of iron. There are many versions and legends about the origin of this tea. But the word "goddess" in its name is present for a reason. This, of course, speaks of the divine taste and aroma of tea, which cannot be compared with other varieties.
Tieguanyin is a variety of oolong. Such a word arose due to inaccurate translation, but it means the same as oolong, which belongs to the group of semi-fermented teas. When brewed, tea has an incomparable aroma, smells like meadow flowers and honey.
Being fermented between green and black, it is separated into a separate variety. In ancient times, this tea was endowed with magical properties.But even now one cannot but agree with this - it is not for nothing that this tea is called the elixir of health. Oolong includes an extensive group of teas, which are divided into dark and light varieties. Oolong leaves, according to technology, are always wrinkled.
Light oolongs are green in color, but the taste, unlike green tea, has a floral note, while green tea has a pronounced note of greenery, which is why it has a bitter aftertaste. Oolong, on the other hand, is slightly sweet in taste. Dark oolong has a different production technology: the final chord is languishing tea leaves on charcoal. The color of the tea turns out to be saturated dark, reminiscent of the color of cognac and acquires spicy notes. It tastes slightly tart.
When buying, you need to pay attention to one important feature: high-quality Tieguanyin, brought from China, is made only from whole leaves that are twisted into balls. In the presence of dust and broken pieces, we can say that this is a fake, and there will be no proper effect and pleasure from its use.
In order for tea to retain all its taste and useful qualities, it is harvested by hand, paying attention exclusively to mature leaves. They are then placed in a sunny location for easy drying. The procedure takes about an hour. Then the leaves, placed in bamboo baskets, are sent to the shade.
From time to time, the leaves are stirred and slightly crumpled, but so that they do not lose their integrity. When the leaves begin to turn brown, they are exposed to hot air. Then they are twisted into balls, after which they are packed, observing a certain technology, therefore, it is better to purchase Tieguanyin in special packages. When brewed, the balls open, forming whole leaves.
Compound
Thanks to its unique composition, the miraculous elixir allows the body to feel a surge of vigor in the morning, which is enough for the whole day, and in the evening it will give relaxation and good sleep, which will make you feel great in the morning. It has an anti-lipid effect, therefore it helps in cleansing blood vessels, gives them elasticity, heals and rejuvenates the entire body. Due to its composition, it breaks down fats, which means it helps in the fight against excess weight. A large amount of antioxidants allows the drink to be successfully used in the prevention of cancer.
Teguanyin tea contains vitamins important for the life of the body: groups B, C, PP, E, K. In addition, it contains such useful substances as phosphorus, iron, selenium, iodine, manganese, zinc.
The unusual property of this variety has long been known to bring a person into a state of euphoria. The monks drank it to go into a trance. But at the same time, studies have shown that no substances similar to drugs are present in the composition. But there is definitely a high concentration of nutrients in tea leaves. Apparently, for this reason, tea gives such an amazing effect and, as many say, it improves mood.
This type of tea contains less than four percent caffeine. Due to the resins contained in tea, it has such a unique aroma. In addition, it contains beneficial acids, including oxalic and malic. The invariable component of tea of all varieties - theine - is contained in this drink in minimal quantities, which is why it has such a relaxing effect on the body.
Properties
Tea is unique in its properties and brings pleasure when consumed. In addition, it gives relaxation and peace to both body and soul. But not only this is its advantage - tea is actively used for the prevention of various diseases and for medicinal purposes:
- with stress, excessive irritability, bad mood, Tieguanyin will become an indispensable companion;
- a wonderful drink will calm you down at night and give you a healthy, full sleep;
- for those who face problems in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, tea will help normalize it;
- it helps to gently cleanse the intestines, with constipation, its regular use is recommended;
- for those who are on a diet, it is recommended for use as a vitamin and detoxifying drink;
- with regular use, Tiguanyin improves blood circulation, normalizes blood pressure;
- it has a beneficial effect on the skin, relieving it of various kinds of rashes, giving it a healthy shade;
- it benefits the teeth, the entire oral cavity, and is especially important for the gums, helping to fight their bleeding;
- antioxidants contained in this type of tea are assistants in preserving the youth of the body;
- suffering from atherosclerosis, it is necessary to cleanse and maintain blood vessels in a normal state;
- oolong is a good prevention of cardiovascular diseases;
- Tea contains polyphenols, which can reduce the growth of cancer cells.
Those who have never tried this tea may be surprised by such miraculous and versatile features of tea. But this is the unique case when it is impossible to find negative reviews for a product. Many tea connoisseurs note that with all the variety of existing types and varieties, Tieguanyin has become the most beloved. Its wonderful taste makes you come back to it again and again. In addition, all of the listed beneficial properties manifest themselves after the first dose.The disadvantages that consumers talk and write about are that it is not always possible to buy it - you often have to order it via the Internet. Its price is not low, but, as many say, this tea is worth the money.
Another disadvantage is that you can accidentally stumble upon a low-quality product. Therefore, when buying, you need to know about some of the nuances.
- It is better to buy such tea in specialized stores.
- You need to ask in what conditions it was stored.
- Preference should be given to closed packages. If it is sold by weight, its aroma disappears, and useful substances are lost.
- The price of such tea cannot be low: 50 grams of tea cost about 250 rubles. And if it is still in a beautiful package, then it is much more expensive.
How to brew?
Brewing tea in China is a whole ceremony, especially of such an elite variety. But at home, it is enough to follow simple rules to brew a drink that tastes good.
- If the tea leaves are green and it belongs to the light varieties of oolong, then the water should be about 80 degrees when brewed. If a dark variety is used, the water temperature rises by 15 degrees.
- For the brewing procedure, a clay teapot is ideal. But if this is not the case, you can use porcelain or glassware.
- The kettle needs to be warmed up well with boiling water, then pour 7 grams of tea into it, then add the required amount of water. Turn the kettle around several times, shaking gently.
- After this manipulation, the water must be poured out. It is not intended for drinking.
- The next step is to pour water again. After a minute, tea can be drunk by pouring it into cups.
High-quality Tieguanyin is recommended to be brewed several times: depending on the quality of tea, from 8 to 10 repetitions. It is only necessary to increase the infusion time by one minute each time. And each time the aroma and taste of tea will be revealed in a new way and will bring no less benefit than brewed for the first time.
When brewing in glassware, you can enjoy the view of how the tea is brewed, and at the same time it will help determine the quality. In the process, tightly twisted balls gradually open up and turn into leaflets. Along the edges they have a darkish tint, and in the middle - a rich green color. This picture indicates that we have a really high-quality tea.
In addition to proper brewing, storage standards must also be observed. According to all the rules, after the tea has been prepared, it is placed in a vacuum package.
Tea is recommended to be stored in a cool place. It must be kept away from those places where there are extraneous odors and food is constantly cooked: it can quickly absorb all the smells and lose its unique aroma.
Usage Tips
Tea, despite the speculation on the content of some intoxicating substances, has no contraindications. Exceptions can only be those situations where there is an individual intolerance to certain components. But such cases are rare, and then it is better to consult a specialist. In other cases, tea will only benefit.
It can be drunk by both children and pregnant women in reasonable amounts. For people suffering from various diseases, for example, heart, blood vessels, stomach or intestines, this variety will only benefit. For those who are on a diet, you can drink a drink in large quantities (up to 5 or 6 cups a day): it will help in the difficult task of losing weight.
On ordinary days, it is better to use such a wonderful health elixir with a wonderful taste and delicious aroma in a calm, relaxing atmosphere, devoting some time to the brewing ritual, and then enjoy tea, peace, and think about something wonderful.
It is good to take such a drink before going to bed: it will help you relax and fall asleep quickly, and get up in the morning feeling great. But no one forbids drinking a cup of aromatic drink in the morning, which is sure to cheer you up for the whole day.
The following video clearly shows how to quickly prepare and brew elite Chinese Tieguanyin tea at home.