Health Benefits of Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is a cross between green tea and black tea, with its characteristics resembling that of green tea rather than black. It is also known as 'brown tea' or 'wu long tea', and comes from the Camellia sinensis tea plant, just like other tea types.

The leaves of this tea are more processed as compared to green tea and less oxidized as compared to black tea. This means that it undergoes only a semi-fermentation process. The brew of this tea has a green to golden-yellow glow.

Oolong tea is not associated with a large number of health benefits as compared to green tea. Only about 2% of tea consumption in the world is attributed to oolong tea. Thus, scientists haven't carried out significant research pertaining to its health benefits.

Most of the known benefits are received from various studies conducted across the globe. Some of the identified health benefits of this tea are:

● Contains Antioxidants: Free radicals (obtained from the air, food, and sunlight) in the body can cause aging of the skin, wrinkles, dark spots, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, and various other diseases.

Oolong tea possess antioxidants that help destroy free radicals even before they can harm us. A comparative study done in 2003, by Kenichi Yanagimoto, revealed that oolong tea possessed more potent antioxidants as compared to black tea, but less potent antioxidants as compared to green tea.

● Improves Heart Health: A Japanese study conducted in 2001, stated that one month of regular oolong tea consumption could result in reduction of cholesterol levels. In another Japanese study in 2004, it was reported that oolong tea increases plasma adiponectin levels.

Low levels of plasma adiponectin result in type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, and coronary artery disease (CAD). Triglycerides are the most common form of fat present in the body, and is the cause of many heart health issues.

An American study, conducted on rats, in 2007, revealed that this tea reduces blood concentrations of triglycerides by 80%. Thus, consumption of oolong tea promotes heart health.

● Reduces High Blood Pressure: Studies conducted in 2004, stated that drinking oolong tea for a year reduced high blood pressure. Regular tea drinkers having one cup a day were 45% less prone to have high blood pressure and 65% less likely to develop high blood pressure if more than 2 cups were consumed per day.

● Heals Skin Ailments: Green tea does have anti-allergic properties. A study was conducted in 2001, by Uehara of the Shiga University, to find out if oolong tea also has similar properties. The study revealed that oolong tea helped treat recalcitrant type (does not respond to conventional treatment) atopic dermatitis (skin disease).

The study was carried out on 118 people suffering from atopic dermatitis. These people were asked to drink a liter of oolong tea, made from 10 grams of leaves every day in addition to their dermatological treatment. After one month, 63% patients showed moderate improvements. It is also believed to improve skin color.

● Prevents Tooth Decay: According to a study conducted by Nakahara in 1993, oolong tea is said to inhibit the enzyme activities of the bacteria streptococci. Streptococci bacteria cause dental plaque formed on teeth, thereby resulting in dental caries.

Thus, by inhibiting this bacteria, it prevents tooth decay. Experts from the Department of Dentistry at Osaka University said that this tea also helps strengthen tooth enamel.

● Assists in Weight Loss: Various studies conducted have revealed that oolong tea increases metabolism, burns fat, and blocks dietary fat absorption. Oolong tea is known to possess calorie-burning catechin polyphenols, which in combination with exercise and proper diet help lose weight.

Oolong tea can be flavored or unflavored. Flavored oolongs such as ginger peach oolong tea and plum oolong tea are quite popular. Regular oolong tea is dark in color with a robust taste comprising a hint of honeysuckle, raisin, or almond flavor. Drinking this tea will surely improve your health in more ways than one!

Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.