Ten Taboos of Tea Consumption
Ten Taboos of Tea Consumption
1. Avoid drinking tea on an empty stomach: China has long held the saying "do not drink tea on an empty stomach." Empty-stomach tea enters the lungs and harms the spleen and stomach. Drinking tea before meals dilutes saliva and gastric juices, reducing appetite and impairing protein absorption.
2. Avoid drinking overnight tea: Tea left too long loses vitamins gradually. Tea polyphenols and aromatic compounds oxidize and decompose, turning tea color and flavor sour, producing harmful substances. Vitamins C, P, and amino acids also decrease due to oxidation. Moreover, leftover tea provides nutrients for bacteria and mold, leading to microbial proliferation and health risks.
3. Avoid drinking cold tea: Cold tea has adverse effects such as stagnation and phlegm accumulation.
4. Avoid drinking very hot tea: Extremely hot tea irritates the throat, esophagus, and stomach. Long-term consumption may lead to lesions in these organs. Optimal tea temperature is below 56°C. Experts found that frequent consumption of beverages above 65°C correlates with higher rates of gastric mucosal damage.
5. Avoid taking medicine with tea: Tannins in tea easily bind with drug components forming precipitates, reducing efficacy or causing side effects. Medications such as sodium bicarbonate, sedatives, atropine, quinine, ferrous sulfate, ferrous carbonate, ammonium citrate, syrup supplements, and aluminum hydroxide should not be taken with tea.
6. Avoid excessive brewing: Trace harmful elements in tea leach out after multiple infusions, harming the body. Studies show the first infusion contains 50% of total water-soluble substances, the second 30%, the third 10%, and the fourth only 1%–3%. Further brewing releases harmful substances.
7. Avoid drinking spoiled tea: During processing, tea may burn or absorb strong smoke if fire temperature is too high or charcoal smoke too dense. Coal or wood combustion produces benzo[a]pyrene (3,4-benzopyrene), a carcinogen, which can contaminate tea. Moldy or spoiled tea contains various fungi and toxins, posing serious health risks. Consuming moldy tea may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, and even death.
8. Avoid drinking tea before bedtime: Components like theobromine in tea stimulate the heart, excite nerves, and enhance cardiac function. Drinking tea before bed may induce insomnia.
9. Avoid drinking tea immediately after meals: Tannins in tea bind with dietary proteins forming precipitates, impairing protein digestion and absorption.
10. Avoid drinking very strong tea: Strong tea contains high levels of caffeine and theobromine, exerting strong stimulation. This may cause excessive mental excitement, headaches, insomnia, or even "tea intoxication."