Oolong tea has an exclusive taste and is somewhat different from traditional green or black teas. This tea is primarily grown and processed in China and Taiwan. There are many health benefits that you can get from oolong tea. Just a single cup of it can provide your well-being numerous benefits.
Made from the leaves, stems, and sprouts of the Camellia sinensis plant, oolong tea is fermented a little and semi-oxidized. Oolong teas have moderate catechin levels and an oxidation rate of 10 up to 70 percent. Oolong tea is the richest among other types, and it has a sharp and robust taste and is aromatic and precise. There are wide varieties of oolong teas, and the most popular comes from the Fujian province of China.
Why Drink Oolong Tea?
As one of the most traditional and famous types of tea in China and Taiwan, oolong tea can offer vigorous health benefits when drunk regularly. The oolong leaves contain caffeine and catechin, antioxidants that can fight free radicals. Oolong is also used for medicinal purposes because of its healing properties.
Nutrition Information of Oolong Tea
Teas are rich in antioxidants. Oolong contains essential vitamins and minerals like carotin, manganese, potassium, calcium, and selenium. It is packed with Vitamins A, B, C, E, and K. Oolong also contains detoxifying alkaloids such as niacinamide and folic acid. Caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline are also included, which can stimulate the nervous system.
16 Amazing Health Benefits of Oolong(Wulong) Tea
In addition to the pleasing and refreshing aroma of oolong tea, it has many health benefits that are more beneficial than other teas combined. It also contains smaller amounts of caffeine than other teas, which makes it the best option for people sensitive to caffeine.
The health benefits include reducing chronic health problems such as inflammatory disorders, heart disease, and high cholesterol levels. It also promotes good oral health, healthy skin, and superior bones. Here are the various health benefits of oolong tea:
#1 Removes Free Radicals
Oolong tea is one of the best beverages that can eliminate free radicals in the body. It is rich in a polyphenolic compound which is an antioxidant that combats free radicals. Drinking oolong tea daily can help you prevent possible health illnesses such as stroke, diabetes, cancer, atherosclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Food and drinks with antioxidants are all beneficial. However, polyphenol is a potent antioxidant that is present in oolong.
#2 Healthy Skin
The skin is the most exposed part of the body, which is why our skin is constantly exposed to free radicals. The more people age, the fewer bodies can fight them, resulting in wrinkles, dark spots, and fast aging.
Regular consumption of oolong tea can do wonders for our skin. Most skin problems happen because of long exposures to free radicals. Polyphenols, an antioxidant present in oolong tea, can eliminate free radicals.
According to studies, people diagnosed with eczema and other skin diseases can benefit from consuming 3 cups of oolong tea every day. The results of drinking tea can be seen in less than seven days as improvement in the skin can be visible. The polyphenols in oolong can also relieve irritation and other chronic skin ailments such as atopic dermatitis. Here are the other benefits of oolong tea to the skin.
#3 Anti-Aging Benefits
When our skin is exposed to free radicals every day, aging accelerates. This results in early appearances of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Oolong tea contains high levels of antioxidants that can slow down cells’ oxidation and lead to much healthier and younger skin cells.
#4 Enhances Liveliness of the Skin
Drinking oolong tea regularly can improve the skin’s elasticity, resulting in a younger appearance. The antioxidant polyphenols in oolong can shield the skin from sun damage.
#5 Clearing Acne
Oolong tea can help to prevent acne or clear acne from achieving brighter skin. The magic comes from the anti-allergic components of oolong polyphenols.
Read: 15 Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Pimples Overnight Fast
#6 Boosts Metabolism
Oolong tea can help your body burn fats by increasing your metabolism. Polyphenols are also able to hinder enzymes that are building fats. Regular consumption of oolong tea can help you cut off some weight as long as you do not add much sugar or artificial sweeteners. If you prefer drinking oolong with some sweets, you can use maple syrup, raw honey, and agave syrup.
#7 Controls Obesity
In the early 1990s, it was found that oolong tea can help in reducing body weight. It was proven that polyphenols and caffeine in oolong tea promote fat oxidation and block lipid absorption.
Oolong tea aids digestion reinforces the immune system and manages blood sugar. All these are beneficial for losing weight. The antioxidants found in the tea can help burn fats faster in the abdominal area and upper arm. Drinking it helps you burn more fat.
It is also believed that oolong tea can reduce obesity. Regular consumption of oolong tea can encourage weight loss and decreases obesity by accelerating the process of lipolysis, which allows the body to burn extra fat. Besides vitamin A, selenium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and fluorine, oolong tea has higher concentrations of polyphenols. These nutrients are excellent for detoxifying the body, improving digestion, and reducing the risk of diseases like diabetes.
#8 Manages Diabetes
When someone has type 2 diabetes, the blood glucose levels are elevated. According to studies, patients with diabetes could benefit from taking oolong, which can decrease blood glucose to a better level.
Oolong tea can help in managing diabetes as it stabilizes blood sugar levels. Oolong tea can lower plasma glucose and may be used to support the effectiveness of antihyperglycemic drugs. The results may vary per person, but one thing is for sure, oolong tea stabilizes blood sugar which can manage diabetes. Oolong tea is a great way to control blood glucose while enjoying it.
#9 Healthier Heart
Losing weight decreases your risk of heart disease. Oolong is proven to reduce the level of cholesterol, which can also benefit the heart. Because oolong is semi-oxidized, it can produce polyphenol molecules that activate the enzyme lipase by dissolving fats. Those polyphenols in tea block the absorption of cholesterol and dietary fats by up to 50% in some cases.
The antioxidants in oolong tea are very strong dilators of blood vessels. It can help the blood flow easily through the arteries, which is very beneficial for stroke, heart attack, and cancer.
People who drink one up to 6 cups of oolong tea per week have lower risks of acquiring cardiovascular diseases. Start drinking oolong tea today to keep your heart healthy and strong! Your heart will thank you.
#10 Anti-Cancer Benefits
People who regularly consume teas have lower risks of developing skin cancer. Polymeric polyphenols such as theaflavin and thearugibin are higher in oolong tea than in other teas. These antioxidants fight carcinogens and reduce the risks of acquiring cancer.
Polyphenols also promote the death of cancerous cells in the stomach and can suppress the growth of other forms of cancer, such as ovarian cancer. According to studies, women who consume oolong tea can reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer by 46%.
#11 Healthier Bones
The antioxidants in oolong tea can strengthen the bones and prevent osteoporosis. Oolong can also promote the healthy growth of the body. According to studies, people who regularly drank oolong or black tea for over a decade are less likely to lose bone mineral density. There are components in oolong tea that can stimulate the preservation of bone minerals.
#12 Prevents Tooth Decay
We all know that fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by adding toothpaste and water supply to promote healthier teeth. The great news is that oolong also contains fluoride. The fluoride in oolong tea can also help the tooth enamel to become harder and protect the teeth.
You can easily find some oral care products or toothpaste that contain tea. Oolong tea, as well as green tea, can improve oral health. The acid production and the growth of bacteria, which are the primary cause of oral cancers and tooth decay, are inhibited by the regular consumption of oolong tea. Polyphenols are also able to improve not only dental health but also hygiene. Consuming oolong tea can help you prevent tooth decay and the occurrence of cavities.
According to studies, people who consume oolong tea regularly have stronger teeth. It is never late to take care of your teeth!
Read: Wisdom Teeth Pain Relief -15 Best Home Remedies
#13 Relieves Stress and Anxiety
Stress is one of the major culprits of most chronic diseases. People who are stressed are likely to develop health problems. The good news is that the natural polyphenols in oolong tea act as stress busters and enhance mood. Having a cup of oolong tea a day can help you relieve stress.
The fragrant compounds present in plants are also proven to enhance the response receptors in the brain, such as lavender. People use fragrances to treat sleeping problems, anxiety disorders, seizure disorders, and muscle spasms. Oolong tea has fragrant compounds that can regulate the GABA levels in the brain. Oolong tea can also result in sharper thinking skills and improved mental alertness.
#14 Suppresses Cravings
Because oolong tea stabilizes blood sugar, it prevents sweets and unhealthy snacks, especially when the body is craving desserts after a meal. Enjoy oolong tea without sugar or artificial sweetener, as it already tastes good.
#15 Prevents Hair Loss
Because this tea is rich in antioxidants, it can also significantly affect your hair. Drinking oolong tea promotes healthy and soft hair growth. It is better to apply it directly to get the best results, just like shampoo. Making tea from oolong leaves is also beneficial for preventing hair shedding.
#16 Mental Performance
Oolong tea can improve alertness and mental performance. Regular intake of oolong, which contains caffeine, can improve the brain and helps it to stay alert all the time. This means that drinking oolong tea during examinations and demanding situations is beneficial.
Side Effects and Precautions
Oolong tea is an excellent beverage; there is too much out of you can obtain all the health benefits above if you drink a few cups of oolong tea daily. However, it would help if you kept in mind that oolong tea contains caffeine, so it has to come with some precautions.
Some of the conditions which can be improved by oolongs, like cardiovascular ailments or diabetes, can be made worse by caffeine. The side effects of too much caffeine may include heartburn, anxiety, headaches, sleeplessness, and confusion.
Like any other food you have in your diet, you need to limit your quantities. For instance, drink only 2 to 3 cups a day. You also need to check your body’s reaction after consuming oolong tea. Most people react better, while some may get worse due to substances. You need to monitor your health after drinking oolong tea every day.
To get all the healthy benefits of oolong tea, make sure that you have a trusted supplier. You should buy it from a brand you trust and are not suspicious of. An excellent tea should mention its source; if the oolong is cultivated on mountains, it should be purer and better.
Drink several cups of oolong tea daily, as this can be the best tea to improve your health. It is also a delicious and soothing beverage.
