Puer, a gut-friendly elixir

Puer is a type of tea that has a history that spans thousands of years. It is distinguished by a specific production technology: the collected leaves, processed to the level of green tea, are subjected to a microbial fermentation procedure - natural or artificial (accelerated) aging.

Benefits of Puer

The Chinese call it the tea «against a hundred diseases».Of course, you should not expect that puer will immediately rid you of caries, or, say, pyelonephritis. But let’s take a closer look at it’s features:

• eliminates toxins from the body, after food and alcohol poisoning included;
• relieves a hangover;
• facilitates the work of the liver and promotes its recovery even in such severe diseases as cirrhosis;
• normalizes the work of the urogenital system;
• lowers cholesterol and blood sugar;
• improves the acid-base balance of blood;
• tones and provides a charge of vitality, comparable to the use of energy drinks;
• improves emotional state and stress resistance;
• improves potency for men and helps fight erectile dysfunction;
• improves the condition of the skin, hair and nails;
• is a powerful antioxidant and blocks the protein involved in the development of oncological diseases.

After such a huge list, we would like to single out its positive effects on the gut. Fermented teas, like Puer, offer several benefits for gut health:

• probiotics: fermented teas are rich in probiotics, including Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains. These probiotics help improve gut health by supporting a diverse array of microorganisms and enhancing digestive function;
• polyphenols: fermented teas contain antioxidant compounds called polyphenols. These polyphenols contribute to gut health by combating harmful pathogens and reducing oxidative stress;
• enzymes and nutrient absorption: fermentation generates enzymes that aid in breaking down food components, facilitating digestion and nutrient absorption. This promotes overall gastrointestinal well-being;
• prebiotic fibers: certain fermented teas, like Puer, also contain fibers that nourish beneficial gut bacteria. By promoting the growth of these microbes, prebiotics contribute to a thriving gut ecosystem.

How to drink puer properly

Depending on the type of puer, there are some general rules for brewing and consuming it. Let's take a look at some tips:

• Water temperature. Puer is an unusual large-leaf tea with a characteristic taste of wood, prunes and nuts. Ready tea leaves are large and dark brown in color. Puer is brewed with boiling water (100°C) and infused for up to a minute. Some Chinese cool the water a little to 95°C to brew Shen Puer, but Shu Puer is always poured with boiling water. The brewed drink has a noticeable "smoky" smell and a sweet taste.
• Tools. Three components are important for preparing puer: tea, water and dishes. Choose high-quality puer with whole, aromatic leaves. Water also plays an important role - use soft water that does not have its own aftertaste.
• Brewing Puer. Pour boiling water over the kettle to warm it up as much as possible. Add approximately 3–7g of Puer per 150–200 ml of water, depending on your own strength preference. Fill with hot water, close the lid and wait for 10–15 seconds. Repeat the process, on every third exposure, double the time.

Despite the incredible benefits of Puer, you should also pay attention to contraindications:

• hypertension, low pressure, arrhythmia: Puer has an active effect on the work of the cardiovascular system: a strong drink can increase blood pressure, and a weak drink can lower it. The difficulty is that its effect on the body is very individual, and an error in dosage or preparation can lead to increased problems with heart health;
• atherosclerosis: despite the fact that this drink has a beneficial effect on the condition of blood vessels, it does not treat already affected areas. The use of puer increases the load on blood vessels and capillaries, and this is very dangerous in the case of atherosclerosis;
• puer should not be drunk in case of exacerbation of diseases of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract. In the chronic phase, it is allowed to use up to 200 ml per day, but not on an empty stomach;
• colds: Puer increases body temperature and interferes with the action of antipyretics for colds;
• caffeine intolerance;
• glaucoma;
• first trimester of pregnancy and first 6 months of breastfeeding.

Conclusions 

Puer tea is a fermented tea with a long history and a variety of potential health benefits. While it has been traditionally used for a wide range of ailments, current research highlights its positive effects on gut health. Puer is rich in probiotics and prebiotics, which contribute to a healthy gut microbiome. It also contains polyphenols and enzymes that aid digestion and nutrient absorption. If you are interested in trying Puer tea, be sure to follow brewing instructions and be aware of potential contraindications, especially if you have certain health conditions.