Pu’er tea is a very popular beverage, but no matter how good a tea is, not everyone can just drink it freely—especially a tea like Pu’er, which is rich in various active compounds. So, who shouldn’t drink Pu’er tea? Here are five groups of people who need to be careful.
Who Shouldn't Drink Pu'er Tea? 5 Types of People Who Need to Moderate Their Intake
- Pregnant and nursing women: The caffeine and tannic acid in Pu’er tea may affect the development and health of the fetus or baby, so it is recommended to consume it in small amounts under a doctor’s advice.
- People with weak digestion: Those with sensitive or weak stomachs should not drink too much Pu’er. For individuals with gastric ulcers or gastritis, drinking too much may trigger discomfort. It is best for these individuals to choose a lighter brew and avoid drinking it on an empty stomach.
- People with anemia or iron deficiency: Pu-erh tea contains tannic acid, which affects the body’s absorption of iron. For those with iron-deficiency anemia, drinking too much Pu-erh tea may worsen anemia symptoms. If you really want to drink it, it is recommended to sip a small amount after meals.
- People prone to insomnia: Pu-erh tea contains caffeine. While caffeine is great for boosting alertness, some people have a slower metabolism, and drinking Pu-erh tea can lead to trouble sleeping at night. It is best for such individuals to drink small amounts only during the day.
- People taking medications: The caffeine and other components in tea may interact with certain medications and affect their efficacy, particularly some antibiotics or blood pressure medications. It is recommended that those taking medications consult a physician first to adjust the timing and amount of Pu-erh tea they consume.
Note: It doesn't mean you can't drink it at all, but moderation is key.
The five types of people mentioned above are not completely forbidden from drinking Pu-erh tea, but they need to control their intake after consulting a physician or a professional. A moderate amount of Pu-erh tea is beneficial to health, but excessive consumption may yield the opposite result, so special care should be taken.