Pu-erh Tea As Cholesterol Special

Pu-erh Tea As Cholesterol Special

Long a matter of mystique in China for both age and extravagance of claims, Pu-erh, a dark-colored tea, became the subject of study in several countries following a 1970s Chinese report on its effect in reducing blood fats. Articles about it as a "wonder drug" were inspired by European publication of findings at the Kunming Medical College First Hospital that Yunnan Tou Cha (Pu-erh molded in a bowl) lowered cholesterol levels 17% and triglycerides 22%. Investigations at the St. Antoine Hospital in Paris concluded that this tea did help reduce body weight and blood triglycerides and cholesterol.

A Free University of Berlin study in 1983, however, concluded that this tea had no clear effect, and another in France found that it acted only on triglycerides. But a study involving two universities and a medical center in Japan found that tea also reduced cholesterol, Pu-erh more effectively than green tea. And in Paris a month of three cups of Pu-erh a day brought lipids down 25% on 20 hyperlipidemia patients, while those on other teas showed no change. (Reported at a conference on this tea in Paris.) Meanwhile, researchers at Kunming Medical College claimed that Pu-erh was better than the commonly used medicine clofibrate, and had no side effects. Whether Pu-erh is truly more effective than other teas has not really been decided. Pu-erh is truly more effective than other teas has not really been decided. Pu-erh is a rather unusual tea with some properties that others do not share. It will be fascinating to watch reports of further research to see whether these are a factor, and whether they, in turn, create any other problems.

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