Oolong Tea Benefits

This article discusses the benefits and advantages of a special type of tea, Oolong tea.

Oolong tea means “black dragon tea” and is one of the most admired teas which are served in traditional Chinese restaurants.

(This article was written by Kim)

What Is Oolong Tea?

Oolong tea is processed from the Camellia Sinesis plant, the same plant from which green tea is processed, but oolong tea is more oxidized than green tea.

Generally it is available in teabags or loose leaves, and a diet supplement with oolong tea extracts is fast becoming popular on the internet.

Oolong tea was first produced around 400 years ago at Mt. Wu Yi Shan of the Fujian province. Fuji province of China is still the biggest exporter of oolong tea throughout the world, and oolong is a distinctive cultural icon of China.

Another popular type of this tea is Taiwanese oolong, which is produced in the central mountains of Taiwan.

Surprising Benefits Of Oolong Tea

Prepared through a semi-fermented process, oolong tea includes a wide variety of polyphenolic compounds.

These different nutrients are integrated to bring great benefits to our body, as they are effective in reducing triglyceride and removing free radicals.

This tea has long been popular in oriental cultures of China and Japan, and is now being undiscovered by other parts of the world. The following are some of its main benefits:

A. Weight Benefits

One of the most recognized and widely tested benefits of oolong tea is its weight loss benefit.

A Chinese classical book called the Bencoa Shiyi (the compendium of materia medica) states, “Drinking (oolong) tea for a long time will make one live long to stay in good shape without becoming too fat and too heavy”.

Polyphenols in oolong tea help prevent obesity, and a constant intake of the tea enhances the function of fat metabolism by activating the enzyme that is responsible for dissolving triglyceride.

B. Dental Benefits

Oolong tea is one of the best teas which prevent tooth decay and dental diseases. To achieve its dental benefits, the tea should be taken twice a day regularly.

According to the department of dentistry, Osaka University, consuming polyphenols as found in oolong tea, contributes to the lessening of tooth decay significantly and is useful in preventing the occurrence of such decay.

C. Cardiovascular Benefits

Oolong tea reduces blood concentrations of triglycerides, which helps to relieve several heart and cardiovascular problems.

Studies have shown that regular consumers of this tea depict a considerable decrease in cholesterol levels.

Due to the size of the polyphenol molecule in oolong tea, which is unique in comparision to other teas, it is also a significant ailment to stop the hardening of arteries.

D. Skin Care Benefits

Scientifically confirmed polyphenol effects, make oolong a rich polyphenol tea to help prevent several skin problems including eczema and wrinkles.

Clinical trials of oolong tea have confirmed that a regular intake of tea, two times a day for three months at least, is effective in enhancing the effect of SOD (super oxide dismutase) within the body.

The trials further confirmed that oolong is very effective in delaying the appearance of signs of aging, such as dark spots and wrinkles.

It strengthens the effect of copper-zinc-SOD, which acts favourably within the cutaneous cells of the skin.

Therefore, it is beleived that drinking oolong tea helps delay the aging process significantly.

How To Prepare Oolong Tea

1. Fill a kettle with water and bring to a boil.

2. Use one tea bag /one and a half teaspoon of tealeaves for one cup.

3. Pour the hot steaming water over the tea bag/tealeaves into the mug.

4. Let the tea steep for a minimum of three to four minutes. (Oolong tea tastes too strong if it is used for the first time, therefore skimmed or soy milk can be added along with honey to have a better taste).

5. Strain (if using tealeaves) and add sugar to taste.

(This article was written by Kim)