Why do the Chinese Drink Hot Tea with Meals? - Hey China (2024)

FAQs

Why do the Chinese Drink Hot Tea with Meals? - Hey China? ›

Hot water is one of the key medicines in ancient China which is known to combat high body temperature and the common cold. The most popular reason for drinking hot tea or hot water is that the heat kills the bacteria in the water that deems it fit for consumption.

I've been told by my mother (who isn't Chinese) that Chinese people drink so much tea because it helps to 'wash' down greasy food (in a detoxifying-type of sense). Has anyone else heard this too? tea for them is part of eating with the five senses: Looks. taste, feeling, and hearing.

"Since tea contains caffeine, which can increase our energy and also supports the digestive system, for most people, their energy tends to be lower after meals and in the morning. Based on that, it makes sense to drink tea right after a meal during the day.

Drinking hot water in China is a time honoured tradition, developed nearly 2500 years ago during the Zhou dynasty (around 400-300 BC). In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that Hot Water, ironically, contained 陰 “Yīn” (Yin), which represent coolness or shade which was necessary to counteract 陽 “Yáng” (Yang).

Besides, drinking tea can allow people to acquire a peaceful, relaxed, refreshed and cheerful enjoyment, and even longevity. According to the meridian theory of traditional Chinese medicine, different kinds of tea can activate different meridian systems in the human body.

May aid digestion

Some believe that drinking hot water is especially effective for activating the digestive system. The theory is that hot water can also dissolve and dissipate the food you've eaten that your body might have had trouble digesting.

The popularity of beer in China rivals that of tea, and, for men, is the preferred mealtime beverage (drinking alcohol in public is considered improper for Chinese women, though not for foreigners).

Healthy Diet - The Chinese believe that one of the keys to a longer healthier life is a healthy diet. As a result, the Chinese diet is one of the healthiest in the world. Overall, the Chinese diet values moderation and balance. They believe it is a mistake to eat too much red meat.

In Chinese culture the egg is very significant, valued for centuries as a food supplement—especially for children, pregnant women, and those who are ill.

There is more emphasis on how to eat to balance yin and yang. High importance is placed on freshness and flavor of produce or food. A typical Chinese's meal usually consists of rice, soup and three to four side dishes. Dishes are made of seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood or bite-size portion of meat or poultry.

Is drinking Chinese tea healthy? ›

Known to be full of catechins, Chinese tea helps speed up the process of burning fat. It helps you gain muscle and increase your muscle endurance in the process. Increased muscular endurance has many benefits that include reducing the risk of injury, increase in confidence, and increase in physical abilities.

Whereas Westerners tend to have a cup of tea once or twice a day, using a different tea bag each time, the Chinese drink tea all day long. Many people use cups or glass jars in which they put some tea leaves, add hot water and then keep adding more hot water throughout the day.

Though tea remains foundational to Chinese culture, some young, middle-class consumers are finding coffee's caffeine kick to be more suited to the pressures of a competitive job market and workplace.

For example, after meals, people would use green tea to clean and wash their mouths. The Cha Jing text also stated that green tea has cooling properties helping to improve alertness, immunity, mood, and clear toxins from the body. Nowadays, people continue to value and enjoy green tea and its health benefits.

Make tea about 30 minutes after a meal. Drink it without sugar to preserve its original flavor and get more benefits. Strong puerh tea is liked by many people, but don't drink too rich tea before going to bed. It's better to limit yourself to a small portion 3-4 hours before bedtime.

Men should hold their fists, left over right, while women should put their palms together, make a bow, and sit down, before receiving the tea cups. Guests should receive the tea cup with both hands as a gesture of gratitude, respect, and humility. It is also customary to thank the person who poured the tea for you.

Second, tea is brimming with antioxidants, polyphenols, and certain compounds which can soothe, heal, and help your digestive enzymes to get into the swing of things. Certain kinds of herbal tea is often considered to be a brilliant booster when it comes to digestive health.