Tea is the world's healthiest beverage. Although this remark may appear overstated, multiple research projects indicate that it may be genuine. However, each tea is unique, and some may provide more advantages than others. This will be determined not just by the tea category, but also by the processing methods and the type being used. One study found that tea in general had far higher antioxidant capabilities than most "medicinal plants, wild fruits, vegetables, edible macro-fungi, and fruit wastes (seeds and peels).
Since 2,000 BCE, tea has been proudly recorded as a beverage in China. It is the most popular drink in the world, except water. White, oolong, green, and black tea are the four primary varieties of tea. The Camellia sinensis plant is the source of all four types. Because they are not made from the Camellia sinensis plant, herbal teas are not regarded as real tea.
Oolong tea only accounts for 2% of all tea produced and eaten globally, but despite its lower popularity, it still has a number of advantages that are well worth learning about.
The blend of dark and green teas gives it a number of alleged health advantages. Oolong tea, for instance, may help with stress relief and weight loss.
What Is Oolong Tea?
The most well-known variety of oolong tea, which is a traditional Chinese beverage, is produced in the Fuijan region of China from the camellia sinensis plant's leaves, buds, and branches. The only difference between this plant and the one used to produce green tea is how the tea is processed. In China, India, Taiwan, Japan, and Taiwan, oolong tea is legal to drink.
Black and green teas are also produced from the same plant as oolong tea. The oxidation procedure, however, in which the tea leaves are exposed to air during processing, is used to create oolong leaves. Due to this, the leaves undergo a process known as fermentation and oxidation whereby they develop flavour, colour, and other characteristics.
With an oxidation rate ranging from about 10% to 90%, oolong tea is a hybrid between green and black tea. Oolong teas come in a variety of flavours, some of which are green and light while others are almost completely oxidised and quite similar to black tea. Oolongs can have entire branches that are covered in leaves and buds, unlike green tea. Flavor notes include ripe fruit, toasted bread, cinnamon, and mild floral undertones.
Oolong tea has a rich history that dates back to the middle of the Ming Dynasty. Flavor notes include ripe fruit, toasted bread, cinnamon, and mild floral undertones. The flavours and leaves of oolong differ according to the geography.
Nutritional Facts Of Oolong Tea
As the basis of what you will read in the paragraphs that follow, the nutritional information on oolong tea may be of even more importance to you.
Our bodies benefit from the nutrients found in oolong tea, which is abundant in black and green tea. The antioxidant content of oolong tea is high. A, B, C, E, and K vitamins are among the minerals it contains, along with selenium, copper, calcium, potassium, carotene, and manganese. Niacin amide, folic acid, and other detoxifying alkaloids are also present in addition to these. Oolong tea includes a lot of polyphenolic chemicals because it is semi-fermented, which adds additional health advantages.
Like many other teas, these tea leaves also have trace levels of caffeine. Tea's caffeine concentration is greatly reduced throughout the steeping process. The caffeine concentration is reduced to less than 50mg after one minute of steeping.
The nutritional information for 1 serving (8 fl oz) of oolong tea is listed below:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Vitamin C: 100 %
Just the tip of the mountain, really. Let's examine the remarkable advantages of oolong tea for your general health.
Surprising Health Benefits Of Oolong Tea
Salutations to tea drinkers! In addition to being a culinary masterwork, oolong tea has a myriad of incredible health benefits. Oolong tea, which is rich in thearubigins, polyphenols, and theaflavins, has tremendous health benefits. This tea, which is packed with antioxidants like EGCG, can do everything from lowering the risk of heart disease to preventing cancer, giving you lovely skin, bolstering your teeth, and increasing energy levels.
Now let's explore Oolong tea's therapeutic properties.
Full of Antioxidants
The antioxidants found in black tea, such as thearubigins and theaflavins, as well as the catechins found in green tea are present in oolong tea because of its half-oxidation. This indicates that this magical concoction is exquisitely packed with all the wonderful stuff. Oolong showed a greater antioxidative count than other teas, including green tea in some circumstances, in a study of thirty different teas conducted in China.
Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes
Although drinking oolong tea may not have a significant effect on blood sugar levels, it can help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. According to a Japanese study, drinking oolong tea daily for 30 days caused a staggering 30% reduction in blood sugar levels of participants.
Reduced Risk of a Stroke
Let's talk about strokes and how oolong tea can help minimise your risk. Green tea and oolong tea have both been researched in terms of their potential role in stroke prevention. The results were positive, as research revealed that people who drank a cup of coffee every day were less likely to have a stroke than those who did not. Those who consumed three cups of coffee per day were also shown to have a 21% lower risk of suffering a stroke.
Helps Eczema
Say goodbye to itchy, dry skin by savoring oolong tea for a wonderful flush of health. While oolong tea works to smooth out the kinks on the inside, it also offers its abundance of well-being to the outside body, particularly the skin. The ability to crush free radicals is an unavoidable side effect of the various antioxidants in this kind of tea. Not only will it lessen skin sensitivity and allergic reactions, but the antioxidant levels will also help reduce the outward indications of ageing and give you a youthful and fresh complexion.
Strengthens The Density Of Bones And Teeth
Another advantage of drinking oolong tea is that it gives you a powerful pearly smile from all the calcium and fluoride. The naturally occurring fluoride in the oolong leaf aids in the prevention of tooth decay, the strengthening of enamel, and the prevention of cavities. Not only do your teeth benefit from this, but so do your bones. We all want to avoid osteoporosis, and by increasing your intake of oolong tea, you will be less likely to lose bone mineral density. Again, oolong includes calcium and magnesium naturally, both of which are well-known for their excellent bone health qualities.
Helps In Fighting Cancer
Antioxidants and the ability to actively fight free radicals can be extremely beneficial in the battle against cancer. Oolong tea is thought to reduce the risk of certain cancers.] According to a Chinese study, women who drank oolong green, or black tea were less likely to develop ovarian cancer. Another Taiwanese study discovered a relationship between oolong tea and the prevention of neck and throat cancer. While these papers are definitely intriguing to read, the National Cancer Institute reminds people that additional research is needed to reach conclusive conclusions. Even still, the mere mention of oolong tea in the good fight against cancer has us overflowing with joy.
Improves The Performance Of Brain
While too much caffeine might cause jitters, oolong contains just the proper amount to energise your brain. The polyphenols in oolong tea will not only help reduce stress, but they may also help prevent Alzheimer's disease. This is because polyphenols in oolong prevent plaque proteins from attacking the cells present in the brain. Oolong tea may be just what you need to stay bright and focused.
Reduces The Risk Of Parkinson’s Disease
Another enticing benefit of drinking oolong tea is that it can help reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease. You might already be aware of the fact that oolong can improve brain health, this includes increasing neurotransmitter activity. The mental alertness provided by L-theanine, EGCG, polyphenols, and caffeine can keep your brain in a state of cognitive calm.
Promotes Weight Loss
For people battling with obesity-related health issues and looking seeking natural and healthy ways to lose weight, oolong tea may be the answer. Oolong tea is high in phytonutrients, which are plant-based compounds with powerful antioxidant qualities. An animal study found that Oolong tea extract reduced belly fat even in rats fed a high-fat diet. This is only one research, and there have been many others. Oolong is thought to aid fat burning by encouraging active enzymes. It also promotes a faster metabolism, which can aid in weight loss. Oolong tea is the perfect storm when combined with caffeine, which also helps raise energy expenditure.
Supports The Immune System
Simply by falling in love with the flavour of oolong tea, you can give your immune system a huge old boost. Oolong tea contains flavonoids that are great for the immune system and can even help prevent cellular damage. They also boost the body's production of antibacterial proteins, which help it fight off anything that shouldn't be there. Oolong tea can help you fight off free radicals, which can lead to everything, from arthritis to cancer. It can also offer you a fighting chance throughout the cold and flu season.
Lowers The Risk Of Heart Diseases
Oolong tea shows that it may be used for much more than just self-care; it also promotes heart health and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. Oolong tea's presence of catechins and polyphenols makes it possible to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, two factors that help keep your heart healthy. According to studies, people who drink oolong tea have lower levels of LDL cholesterol (the harmful kind) than people who don't. For us, that justifies everything!
Improves Sleep
It has been discovered that the combination of L-theanine from oolong tea and GABA helps people sleep deeper, dreamier, and for longer periods of time. Oolong tea can improve sleep naturally, despite the fact that it contains caffeine. L-theanine is an amino acid that promotes alpha waves in the brain, which helps the body enter a more peaceful state and lowers stress levels. This is why it is connected with relaxation and rest. Even if it's perhaps not the best option for a drink before bed, having it in the afternoon will help you get a better night's rest overall.
Boosts Energy
Oolong tea still has enough caffeine to give the body and mind the jolt they require, although having half as much caffeine as white tea. L-theanine, an amino acid, is naturally added to promote relaxation while also enhancing mental clarity and alertness in the brain. By accelerating your body's metabolism, which gives you more energy, and by battling against free radicals and pollutants, the polyphenols also help you get out of a slump. As a result, you'll feel more vibrant, alive, and boundless.
Creates A Positive Gut Environment
How a healthy gut can help the body heal has been the subject of a great deal of research. If you want to improve your immune system, lessen allergies, improve the health of your liver, and lower your risk of developing IBS and other digestive problems, you must establish a healthy gut environment. Oolong tea can assist you in creating a wholesome, joyful atmosphere where your microflora can flourish. Oolong tea has been proven to be one of the best options for getting your gut into a magnificent state of perfect health, according to studies delving into the connection between tea and the gut flora.
Elevates Mood
Are you in need of a little mood improvement? Oolong tea is there for you. You won't get into a physical or emotional rut if you combine the advantages of good health, mental clarity, a rapid energy boost, and L-calming theanine's properties. Not to forget the overall sense of self-care that surrounds the ritual of making tea for oneself so that you can relax for a while.
How to Prepare Oolong Tea?
Oolong tea is readily available and frequently offered on menus at cafes and restaurants, where many other teas are also served. You can buy it either in loose-leaf form or already packaged in tea bags.
You should use water that is just below boiling when making it at home, about 190 degrees Fahrenheit or 90 degrees Celsius. The greatest flavour profile is guaranteed, and nutrient loss is minimised. The antioxidant properties of the tea, including its polyphenols, can be reduced and destabilised by hotter water.
Oolong tea had the highest antioxidant activity when steeped for three minutes at these temperatures, according to the research. By initially brewing it with boiling water and letting it cool, you may also serve it iced.
To make a perfect cup of Oolong tea:
- Brew one tea bag or around two tablespoons of loose tea.
- Heat the water until it nearly boils, the tea for three minutes.
- To preserve the antioxidant action, taste the tea and remove it within 10 minutes of finding your ideal flavour.
Where Can You Get Oolong Tea?
Most supermarket stores carry oolong tea. They are also available on eBay and Amazon.
Here are some lovely oolong tea suggestions for you:
Best Teas
- Guang dong phoenix dan cong
- Monkey picked
- Dong ding
- Chinese
- Nonpareil Taiwan li Shan
- Tsui yu jade
Some other varieties
- Zhejiang
- Amber
- Dancing oolong
- Jade oolong
- Darjeeling oolong
- Se chug oolong
- Tie guan yin
- Sichuan
- Oriental beauty
- High mountain oolong
How Much Oolong Tea Should I Drink?
Because oolong tea includes some caffeine, it's necessary to drink it moderately. The typical daily intake of oolong tea ranges from one to four cups.
To avoid disturbing your sleep, try to spread out the amount of cups you choose during the morning and afternoon. Excessive caffeine use has been linked to inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and headaches.
You should first see your doctor before drinking caffeine if you are expecting, nursing, or have a serious health condition that is affected by it.
Side Effects Of Oolong Tea
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Anxiety Disorders
Some people's anxiety disorders may be brought on or worsened by the caffeine in tea.
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Bleeding Disorders
Caffeine may inhibit blood coagulation, possibly making bleeding disorders worse.
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Heart Issues
Some people may get irregular heartbeat due to the caffeine present in Oolong tea.
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Issues With Diabetes
According to several research, the caffeine in tea may alter how diabetics' blood sugar is managed. As a precaution, seek medical advice before drinking the tea.
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Diarrhea
Oolong tea contains caffeine, which when consumed in excess can cause or even exacerbate diarrhoea.
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Glaucoma
Tea contains caffeine, which raises ocular pressure. Therefore, before drinking oolong tea, individuals with eye issues should contact their doctors.
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High Blood Pressure
The tea's caffeine may raise blood pressure. As a result, those who have blood pressure problems need to be careful.
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Weak Bones
Oolong tea may cause urine to excrete calcium. Before using it for bone health, it is important that you consult your doctor.
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Issues With Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, limit your intake of the tea to two cups per day because too much caffeine could be harmful to the unborn child. Additionally, too much coffee can make you agitated if you are breastfeeding.
Why is Oolong Tea Healthy?
Black tea and green tea constituents are both present in oolong tea. It has more catechins than black tea since it has undergone half-oxidation. However, tea contains other anti-oxidant substances than catechins, such as theaflavine, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol-3-O-glucoside, caffeine, gallic acid, and ellagic acid. Oolong tea has an antioxidative capacity that is often higher than dark, white, or black teas and even up to 100% more than some green teas, according to a Chinese study that compared the antioxidative properties of 30 different teas. In reality, oolong tea had a mean total phenolic content that was just marginally higher than green tea.
Compounds in tea leaves undergo structural change during oxidation. Ti Kwan Yin is a greener, less oxidised oolong tea that is better to choose if you want to take advantage of the antioxidative action. The colour of the tea leaves and the strength of the tea infusion can both be used to make educated guesses about the level of oxidation if it is not mentioned in the description. Higher oxidation is indicated by reddish tea liquid and darker leaves.
Because oolong tea is semi-oxidized, it also contains EGCg. A gramme of dried oolong tea leaf contains about 20–30 mg of EGCg, according to a Chinese study. Green teas ranged from 30 to 60 mg per gramme, whereas the majority of the black teas used in the study had less than 1 mg per gram. The number of minerals taken is increased because most oolong teas provide at least 5–10 wonderful infusions. In fact, you can brew the majority of them with really hot water—almost boiling hot—and still get a superb flavour.
Conclusion
Since ancient times, people all around the world have consumed tea, which is a nutritious beverage. Uncommon varieties of tea like oolong tea could potentially be healthy. However, based on some of the evidence analysed above, drinking green tea might have the most health benefits.
The number of healthy polyphenols in bottled tea is lower, and it can have too much added sugar. When purchasing bottled teas, it may be preferable to opt for unsweetened varieties or to make your own tea at home and add a little honey to sweeten it.
People can drink 2-3 cups of oolong tea each day, steeping it for as long as feasible to enhance flavonoids. Oolong tea may be enjoyed in a variety of ways, and it has great effects on both your body and mind. There are numerous possible advantages to drinking oolong tea for you.
