Author: Umi Fatimah
Stale tea is a drink that is often considered as waste or leftover tea that has been brewed for a long time. This drink has actually become a topic of debate and controversy in the world of health. Because even though it is often considered a drink that is not suitable for consumption, some people believe that stale tea has health benefits.
So, are the claims about the health benefits of stale tea true? Let’s find out more about the myths and facts about the health benefits of stale tea.
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What Exactly Is Stale Tea?
Stale tea is tea that has been brewed and left for too long until it undergoes oxidation and fermentation. This fermentation process causes the tea to produce new compounds and changes its original taste and aroma.
Along with the popularity of fermented drinks and probiotics, some believe that stale tea also contains natural probiotics and antioxidants that benefit digestion and overall health.
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Myths and Facts About the Benefits of Stale Tea
Stale tea, also known as fermented tea, has been associated with several claimed health benefits. However, it should be noted that many of these claims are not fully supported by strong scientific evidence. Here are some myths and facts regarding the benefits of stale tea:
1. Myth: Stale tea can cure all kinds of diseases.
Some people believe that stale tea can cure or prevent various diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. However, this claim has not been scientifically proven. On the contrary, according to several studies, tea that has been boiled and left for a long time has very high levels of lead, making it unsafe to drink.
2. Myth: Stale tea can help you lose weight.
Basically, tea does contain few calories and the content in it can inhibit fat absorption. However, to lose weight, you need to implement a balanced diet and an active lifestyle.
Stale tea also does not contain substances that specifically help with weight loss. That is why stale tea still needs to undergo further research to test its effectiveness for weight loss.
3. Fact: Antioxidant content in tea
The length of time the tea is stored and the brewing method will affect the chemical composition of the tea and its taste. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove whether the oxidant content in stale tea increases.
4. Fact: Stale tea can be reused creatively
Although it has not been scientifically proven regarding its health benefits, stale tea does not have to be wasted. You can still use this drink in various ways, one of which is for a face mask.
The way to use stale tea as a mask is very easy. You just apply stale tea to your face using cotton. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, rinse your face with cold water.
However, before using a face mask with stale tea, make sure you do an allergy test first on a small area of skin. of! Also consult a dermatologist before using stale tea as a face mask, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Before deciding to consume stale tea for health, it is important to carefully consider the risks and benefits. Because after all, tea that is not stored properly or that is no longer suitable for consumption can be a nest for harmful bacteria and potentially cause health problems, such as diarrhea and poisoning. In addition, the caffeine content in stale tea that has been around for a long time can be higher and can potentially cause side effects such as anxiety and sleep disorders.
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Atsarina Luthfiyyah (Senior Editor)
Having educational experience in Culinary Arts and Journalism. Hobbies are writing, traveling and cooking. Master of Communication Science, Gadjah Mada University
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