Red tea, also called Pu-erh, is extracted from Camellia sinensis, the same plant that also produces green, white and black tea. However, what sets this tea apart from red is the fermentation process.
Red tea is fermented by microorganisms such as the bacterium Streptomyces cinereus strain Y11 over a period of 6 to 12 months, and in the case of very high quality teas, this period can be up to 10 years. This fermentation is responsible for the increase of substances capable of providing benefits to the body, such as flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and aid in the formation of essential hormones for health.
- Red tea is rich in natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory drugs that decrease the formation of free radicals in the body.
- Help maintain good memory and reduce the risk of heart disease such as atherosclerosis and ischemia.
In addition to having GABA, it is a type of neurotransmitter responsible for regulating the central nervous system, and that is also involved in the formation of melatonin, the sleep hormone, generating a sense of relaxation and anxiolytics, and facilitating the fall process. Asleep. GABA always has an action, analgesic, antipyretic and antiallergic.
Red tea, because it is rich in flavonoids, which are natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory, helps reduce the risk of skin cancer by protecting the skin from UV rays. In addition, it improves the appearance and slows the appearance of wrinkles and sagging, as it contains vitamins C, B2 and E, responsible for collagen synthesis, which maintains the elasticity of the skin.
The antioxidant properties of flavonoids can help in the formation of the main components of the immune system, T cells, which are responsible for recognizing and fighting pathogens in the body.
Because it contains caffeine and catechins, red tea can help speed up metabolism due to its thermogenic effect, which increases the feeling of will to exercise and helps to burn fat during exercise, as the body will spend more calories than usual.
Polyphenols found in red tea have the ability to reduce the level of cortisol in the blood, known as the stress hormone, providing a sense of calm and well-being to those who consume it. Discover other teas that are also natural tranquilizers.
Red tea acts against bacteria responsible for tooth decay by inhibiting toxins from Escherichia coli, Streptococcus salivarius and Streptococcus mutans because they contain a substance called gallocatechin gallate (GCG).
The antiviral action of tea comes from the flavonoids that stimulate the activity of NK cells, which are immune system cells that protect the body from the action of viruses.
The red tea is made by infusion, i.e. the leaves are placed in water after boiling and left to rest.
Ingredients
How to prepare:
Boil the water just after leaving it warm for 1 to 2 minutes. Then add the tea and let stand for 10 minutes. It can be served hot or cold, but you can always eat the same day.
Red tea is contraindicated for people who use anticoagulants, vasoconstrictors, hypertension, pregnant women and nursing women. In addition, people who have difficulty falling asleep should avoid drinking red tea due to the presence of caffeine, especially in the 8 hours prior to bedtime. See 10 tips to improve your sleep.