Raw Puer - 'Sprout Dragon Ball' ； 萌芽龙珠

Weight: 6-7g/ball 
Comes in a packet of 10. Total weight est. 65g 

Year: 2017 

Pu-erh tea, pronounced poo-air, comes from the Camellia sinensis plant and boasts many essential health benefits. Pu-erh tea is cultivated exclusively in the Yunnan province of China and derives its name from the Pu-Erh county in which it is grown.

TASTE：

Pu-erh tea comes in green and black varieties and has a smooth taste. The leaves offer a mildly sweet flavor, and brewed leaves emit the aroma of autumn leaves. These teas can also appear darker than black tea and have a more full-bodied flavor and aroma. Pu-erh tea is caffeinated and often consumed in the morning or early afternoon to increase energy levels.

FERMENTATION：

The tea leaves undergo a two-part fermentation process using Yunnan green tea leaves and a humid environment. This fermentation process allows beneficial and fungal bacteria to develop, resulting in the tea's health benefits. After the tea leaves are aged and fermented, they are packed into bricks or sold as loose-leaf teas.

HEALTH BENEFITS：

- Increases Energy

Pu-erh tea helps increase energy levels and focus with 60-70 milligrams of caffeine in a standard cup compared to the 105 milligrams in a standard cup of coffee. Setting aside a few moments to drink a cup of Pu-erh can help you relax and focus before getting back to work energized.

- Promotes a Healthy Heart

Drinking just one cup of Pu-erh tea a day can help you lower your risk of heart disease. Pu-erh aids in preventing heart disease because it helps produce lovastatin, a natural substance commonly used to treat high cholesterol. A Chinese study shows that Pu-erh tea can help to reduce bad cholesterol, also known as LDL cholesterol, and prevent obesity-related diseases.

- Cleanses Toxins and Free Radicals

Pu-erh tea uses its oxidative properties to increase oxygen levels, enhancing circulation and blood flow. By delivering more oxygen to the brain, Pu-erh tea can help combat headaches and migraines and reduces free radicals that can cause serious illnesses.

- Prevents Cancer

Scientists believe the oxidized tea polyphenols are the reason behind Pu-erh tea's potential use in preventing or treating certain types of cancer. These polyphenols work to eliminate free radicals and help to stop the production of irregular cells. As with any new treatment, discussing your options with a doctor is important before committing to any plan.

- Protects Bone Health

Studies on animals have shown that the polyphenols in tea can help to develop higher bone mass and greater bone strength. These polyphenols also contain anti-inflammatory antioxidants that help minimize pain and discomfort.

- Aids in Weight Loss

Pu-erh tea improves digestion and can help relieve symptoms of constipation thanks to the existence of lovastatin in these tea leaves. The antioxidants and polyphenols in Pu-erh teas also aid digestion and fat breakdown.

- Reduces Stress

While pu-erh tea contains caffeine, that doesn't mean it'll make you wired or jittery. Pu-erh tea can help to reduce stress, and its inflammatory properties aid in relaxation when experiencing minor aches and pains.

- Prevents Illness

Since Pu-erh tea is high in antioxidants and vitamin C, having a cup every day can help prevent illnesses such as the common cold and flu. Pu-erh tea is fermented, meaning it has higher concentrations of these antioxidants than non-fermented teas. Since Pu-erh tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, it also has more antioxidants and disease-fighting catechins than herbal teas.