Pu-erh Tea: Why You Should Drink It and How It Affects Our Body

Pu-erh is not just a tea, but a true beverage with character and history. Its homeland is the Yunnan province of China, where the leaves are picked from ancient tea trees and undergo a special fermentation process. This gives pu-erh its unique taste, the aroma of earth after rain, and a host of beneficial properties that make it a favorite drink among connoisseurs around the world. We at joy-pup will tell you about this drink.

Why You Should Drink Pu-erh

• It helps you wake up and improves concentration. Pu-erh contains caffeine, but it has a milder effect than coffee. This tea does not cause a sudden surge of energy followed by a decline in strength, but instead provides a long-lasting feeling of alertness and mental clarity.
• It supports digestion. Pu-erh is often called “tea for the stomach.” It helps the body cope with fatty or heavy foods, improves metabolism, and promotes gentle cleansing.
• Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Research shows that regular consumption of pu-erh can help lower “bad” cholesterol and normalize blood sugar levels. This makes it an excellent addition to a healthy lifestyle.
• Helps with weight management. Pu-erh speeds up metabolism and promotes fat breakdown. It’s no wonder it’s often included in detox and weight loss programs—drinking a cup of this tea after meals is especially beneficial.
• Strengthens the immune system and detoxifies. Thanks to the antioxidants and enzymes produced during fermentation, pu-erh helps cleanse the body and supports the immune system. It also neutralizes free radicals, slowing the aging process.

What types of pu-erh are there?

There are two main types of this tea: sheng (raw) and shu (fermented). Both are made from the same tea leaves, but differ in processing methods and taste.

• Sheng pu-erh is a “live” tea that undergoes natural aging. Immediately after drying, it is pressed and left to mature for years. Over time, its flavor changes – from grassy and fresh to soft and woody. Sheng pu-erh is prized for its lightness, freshness, and rich aromatic palette.
• Shu pu-erh is a “ripened” tea that has undergone accelerated fermentation. It possesses the thick, earthy flavor and rich aroma for which pu-erh is so beloved. Shu pu-erh is considered gentler on the stomach and is suitable even for those who rarely drink tea.

How to Drink Pu-erh Properly

To fully appreciate the flavor and benefits of pu-erh, it is important to brew it correctly.

• Use high-quality tea – pressed (cake or brick) or loose leaf.
• It is best to use water that is not boiling, around 90-95°C.
• The first steeping is usually discarded – this allows the leaves to “awaken” and remove dust.

Drink pu-erh tea in small portions, savoring every sip. It can be steeped several times—the flavor will change with each infusion, becoming softer and deeper.

Who should be careful?

Pu-erh contains caffeine, so people with hypertension, insomnia, or hypersensitivity to stimulants should limit its consumption. Drinking it on an empty stomach is also not recommended.