Health Benefits of Oolong Tea
Weight management. Healthy, glowing skin. Stronger bones and teeth. Balanced blood sugar. Anti-cancer properties. Heightened mental focus. Decreased stress. Powerful antioxidants that decrease cholesterol, prevent artery clogging, and fight free radicals. All from one tea: Oolong.
Oolong tea is a slightly fermented, semi-oxidized tea made from the leaves, buds, and stems of the Camellia sinensis plant. Oolong tea has been imbibed for centuries and remains one of the most popular teas in China to this day.
Benefits of Oolong tea include:
Boosts Metabolism, Aids in Weight Management
Several research studies have found that drinking Oolong tea helps with weight loss. The polyphenol compound found in the tea help you burn fat more quickly by raising your metabolism. The polyphenols also activate certain the enzyme lipase, which is known to dissolve body fat.
Lowers Cholesterol, Promotes Heart Health
Oolong tea has been found to lower cholesterol as well as help prevent clogging of the arteries. This is due to its high antioxidant content, which also helps prevent heart disease and inflammation.
Rich in Vital Nutrients
Calcium
Carotin
Copper
Folic Acid
Manganese
Niacinamide
Polyphenols
Potassium
Selenium
Theophylline
Theobromine
Vitamin A
Vitamin B
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Increases Mental Performance and Health
Oolong tea has been known to revitalize mental alertness and performance. Regular intake may be helpful in boosting mental alertness and performance throughout the day. If you are sensitive to caffeine, limit consumption to one cup a day or a few days a week. Avoid drinking oolong tea too late in the day, as it may disrupt sleep.
Stress Management
In recent scientific studies, oolong tea has shown promise for its ability to decrease the body’s stress response. It does this in two ways: the polyphenols in oolong tea act as a stress-buster, and the l-theanine found in the tea is an amino acid that binds to glutamate sites blocking L-glutamic acid, which in turn leads to decreased stress response.
Improves Digestion & Decreases Inflammation
For those who are not sensitive to caffeine, oolong can help aid digestion as it alkalizes the digestive tract. Oolong tea reduces inflammation for those suffering from acid reflux and ulcers. It is also a mild antiseptic, which means it can clear bad bacteria from your gut.
Healthy Hair & Skin
In scientific study oolong tea has been especially beneficial for eczema, with patients demonstrating remarkable skin improvements. It is believed that the polyphenols work to suppress allergic reactions, relieving atopic dermatitis, i.e. skin irritation and problems. The antioxidants in oolong tea also promote vibrant, youthful skin, and thicker, softer, shinier hair.
Healthy Bones & Teeth
Research has found that drinking black or oolong tea over the long haul are more likely to retain bone mineral density. Besides the powerful antioxidants, oolong tea also contains magnesium and calcium. It is also thought that the tea may actually stimulate mineral retention. Whatever the specific reason, drinking oolong tea is preventative against bone mineral loss, including osteoporosis, as well as inhibiting certain bacteria thereby preventing against plaque build and tooth decay. However, those already suffering from osteoporosis are urged to use caution as oolong can speed up bone degeneration as it is only a preventative measure, not a reparative one.
Stabilizes Blood Sugar & Controls Diabetes
Oolong tea regulates blood sugar and insulin, thereby reducing dangerous drops and spikes in blood sugar. When combined with hyperglycemic drugs the power of the oolong in balancing blood sugar and preventing sudden dips was even more powerful according to recent studies. Further, the polyphenols in oolong work to metabolize sugar, all in all making it a strong combatant against type-2 diabetic disorders, especially when combined with regular supplementary medications.
Elimination of Harmful Free Radicals
The polyphenols in oolong tea function as antioxidants, stimulating the removal of free radicals in the body. This can help protect against countless diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, stroke, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and neurodegeneration. In particular, oolong tea has been found to have anti-cancer properties. The polyphenol compound promotes cell death of stomach related cancerous growths as well as preventing the development of other types of cancerous cells. It has also been associated with a decreased risk of developing skin cancer. Further, the antioxidants in oolong help prevent cell damage, promotes a healthy immune system, and is has even been found to increase production of anti-bacterial proteins, which is an indicator of a strong immune response against infection.
Recommended Intake
If you are sensitive to caffeine, use caution with your consumption of oolong tea. Many serious conditions can be exacerbated by drinking too much caffeine, including diabetes, anxiety disorders, heart conditions, insomnia, high blood pressure, and IBS. For those who tolerate caffeine, two cups of oolong is recommended, one in the morning, one in the afternoon. As with any other dietary changes, consult a doctor first, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a serious medical condition.
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