Oolong tea represents only 2 percent of the world’s tea, however it is well-worth discovering. This combines the super qualities of black and green teas, gifting it with several amazing health benefits.
This tea can boost metabolism and also reduce stress, making you feel great every day. Read on the article to know some excellent health benefits of oolong tea.
What is oolong tea?
Oolong tea is a Chinese tea, which is made from the green leaves of the plant, Camellia sinensis. This plant is also used to make black tea and green tea. The only difference lies in how this tea is processed. All the tea leaves contain some beneficial enzymes, which activates a chemical reaction commonly called oxidation. Moreover, oxidation converts the green tea leaves into black color. Green tea is oxidized for less time, but the black tea is oxidized to turn black. Oolong tea lies in between these two in terms of oxidation. Partial oxidation of oolong tea provides the tea’s color and unique taste.
Benefits of oolong tea
1. Prevents diabetes
The polyphenol antioxidants in oolong tea help reduce the insulin and blood sugar levels. They are considered to boost insulin sensitivity. Accordingly, several studies, regular tea consumption improves blood sugar levels and reduced the risks of developing type II diabetes. Another study showed that diabetics consuming 50 oz in a day showed lower blood sugar levels However, all studies do not agree with these facts and a report showed the increased risk of diabetes associated with drinking 16 oz or more per day. Researchers said the pesticide contamination as the cause of the negative effect of this study.
2. Improves heart health
Regularly consumption of tea antioxidants might improve the heart health. Several studies of the regular tea drinkers showed reduced blood pressure and the cholesterol levels, and lower risk of heart diseases. In a study, people who consumed more than 48 oz of tea in a day were less likely to have heart diseases, as compared to non-tea drinkers. Some studies also investigated the oolong tea. A study of 76,000 Japanese adults reported that those who consumed oolong tea per day had a lower risk of heart diseases. A study from China revealed lower risks of stroke in people who drink 16 oz of the oolong or green tea.
Also Read: 8 Brilliant Health Benefits of Earl Grey Tea You Should Know About
3. Helps you lose weight
Scientists have found that some polyphenols in the oolong tea might boost metabolism and also reduce the amount of fat absorbed from the diet. The polyphenol antioxidants help activate the enzymes that can use the stored energy or fat. A study reported that diluted oolong tea could help participants burn more calories. This can be due to caffeine content of the tea, but the tea polyphenols might play an important role.
Researchers compared the overall effects of caffeine to a combination of caffeine and tea polyphenol. Both of these increased the number of calories burned, but only the tea caffeine and polyphenol increased the people’s fat burning ability. This showed that the fat burning properties of tea are caused by the compounds in the tea.
4. Improves brain function
Recent reviews found that tea might help maintain the brain functions and prevent the Alzheimer’s disease. More research confirmed that the amino acid theanine in tea might help boost attention and also relieve anxiety.
5. Protect against certain cancers
Scientists also believed that antioxidants in black, oolong, and green teas might help prevent cell mutation which can lead to cancer. Tea polyphenols may decrease the activity of cancer cell division.
6. Lowers cholesterol
Oolong reduces cholesterol levels and also promotes heart health. As oolong tea is partially-oxidized, it produces polyphenol molecules which can activate the enzyme lipase that dissolves body fat.
Also Read: 10 Brilliant Benefits Of Green Tea You Should Know About
7. Increases mental alertness
This tea is known to boost the mental alertness as it has caffeine. Make sure if you are not sensitive to the caffeine. If so, limit the consumption.
8. Aids digestion
Oolong could help in digestion for people who are not sensitive to caffeine. This tea alkalizes your digestive tract, reducing the inflammation in people with acid reflux and ulcer issues. As it is slightly antiseptic, oolong tea could remove bad bacteria from the belly. Its calm and smooth flavor could soothe stomach.
9. Promotes healthy hair
Due to the high level of antioxidants, oolong tea could prevent hair loss if you can make tea rinse from the leaves. Your hair would be shinier and thicker. Oolong also softens and provides luster to the hair.
Also Read: Is it Right or Wrong to Drink Tea After Meals?
10. Betters your skin condition
Eczema occurs along with allergies and sensitivities. The oolong tea helps suppress the allergic reaction as it checks free radical, which is a healing feature of an antioxidant. The antioxidants in oolong are required for vibrant, the youthful skin. Drinking oolong on a regular basis could delay the aging process.
11. Prevents tooth decay
Oolong protects teeth from the acid produced by some bacteria. The acid production and the bacterial growth are inhibited by the oolong tea.
12. Prevents osteoporosis
Oolong could protect the bones and also prevents osteoporosis. People who drink the oolong tea are very less likely to lose the bone mineral density, helping to retain the minerals from healthy foods.