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What Is Oolong Tea?

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What Is Oolong Tea?

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Many individuals are putting on a lot of weight owing to their sedentary lifestyle. Read the benefits of oolong tea.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Preetha. J

Published At November 15, 2018
Reviewed AtOctober 11, 2022

What Is a Sedentary Lifestyle?

A life with little or no physical activity and exercise is known as a sedentary lifestyle. Sadly, this type of lifestyle has taken a negative toll on people's health. But interestingly, according to many research studies, a tea that has derived its origin from China has certain amazing properties of increasing a person's metabolism by at least 20 percent on consuming it at least twice daily.

What Is Oolong Tea?

Oolong tea is made from the plant's leaves, buds, and stems called Camellia sinensis. It contains certain antioxidants called polyphenols, which activate the enzyme lipase, enhancing fat breakdown. This aids with weight loss in individuals with higher waist circumference and a higher basal metabolic rate. It is a partially oxidized tea available in colors intermediate between green and black tea.

How Is the Oolong Tea Processed?

The making process of oolong tea is mainly:

  • Picking.

  • Withering.

  • Kneading.

  • Fermenting.

  • Baking.

The oolong leaves are bruised, dried, lightly rolled, roasted, finally rolled, and then dried. It absorbs the making methods of green tea and red tea, hence giving this kind of tea the fresh and floral fragrance of green tea and the mellow taste of black tea.

What Are the Benefits of Oolong Tea?

Following are the other benefits of oolong tea:

Weight Loss:

Oolong tea contains the properties of both green and black tea. The catechins present in the tea will aid in metabolism and relieve stress in an individual. It is a semi-oxidized tea, which is an intermediate between green and black tea. According to a research study in 2003, it was observed that the energy expenditure rate after consuming green tea increased by 4 percent after 120 minutes, and the energy expenditure after consumption of oolong tea increased by 10 percent after 120 minutes. Therefore, it has been declared that oolong tea increases the metabolic rate faster than green tea due to its caffeine content.

Skin Health:

Many individuals, especially females all over the world, have a common complaint of skin problems like acne, pimples, and stretch marks. The thioflavin-like compounds in the oolong tea can cure such skin issues and eczema. In addition, the flavonoids present in the oolong tea can destroy the free radicals scavenging our body, thereby preventing cancer.

Prevents and Cures Type-2 Diabetes:

Oolong tea can prevent and cure type-2 diabetes in obese individuals due to the compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), increasing glucose uptake inside cells and thus preventing hyperglycemia (increase in blood glucose levels). It thus helps to improve insulin sensitivity. In addition, oolong tea can aid in lipid metabolism when taken with the daily recommended amount of physical activity. They stimulate lipase activity, break down fat cells, and thereby improve the symptoms of type-2 diabetes by maintaining blood sugar levels.

Prevents Tooth Decay:

According to a study in 2013, oolong tea helps prevent tooth decay and dental caries. The catechins like EGCG possess antibacterial effects, thus preventing tooth decay and maintaining oral hygiene. Therefore, it is advisable to rinse your mouth with oolong leaves and 100 ml of water for antibacterial effects. In addition, these leaves are known to reduce the acid production in the mouth by Streptococcus mutans.

Improves Symptoms of Bipolar Disease and Alzheimer's Disease:

A compound called L-theanine present in the oolong tea can helps stabilize the mood of the person affected by bipolar disease by reducing the severity and duration of the symptoms. This is very beneficial for the patient with chronic depression phase or manic phase in bipolar disease, which can only be controlled by strong medication.

Oolong tea can help to increase memory power, concentration, and alertness in patients affected by Alzheimer's disease. It also helps to improve the sharpness level of an individual.

Improves Heart Health:

According to many studies, oolong tea promotes heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and maintaining them within the normal range. Thus it helps to eradicate heart-related issues like arteriosclerosis, atherosclerosis, thrombosis, embolism, dyslipidemia, ischemic heart disease, and stroke. You can safely give a heart patient oolong tea to reduce the bad fat levels (very low-density lipoproteins) and increase the good fat levels (high-density lipoprotein) in the blood. Consuming foods rich in omega-three fatty acids can increase the levels of good fat in the body.

Prevents Osteoporosis and Maintains Bone Health:

Oolong tea is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. All these nutrients are specifically known to promote bone health. In addition, oolong tea contains essential compounds called flavonoids, which regulate the osteoblast and osteocyte activity of the bone, that is, bone formation and bone reabsorption activity from the bones when less calcium is available in the blood.

What Are the Side-Effects of Oolong Tea?

An ideal consumption of oolong tea up to 300 ml per day, or even three small cups a day would be fine because too much of anything is not good for health. However, excess consumption of oolong tea would lead to inhibition of iron absorption in our body, thus leading to anemia. It could also lead to symptoms like severe headache due to high caffeine content from the oolong tea due to overconsumption. Other symptoms include dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, confusion, heartburn, tremor, and heartbeat fluctuation. Therefore, moderation is the key. Do not overdo something. Always remember that it could have side effects too.

Conclusion:

The main benefit is that it contains antioxidants that will help clear up the body's free radicals. The antioxidants present in oolong tea are catechins, thearubigin, and theaflavin. Oolong tea is beneficial in several ways to humankind. Try sipping some oolong tea now. Not sure whether you can have one or not? Consult our healthcare professionals now.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What Are the Benefits of Oolong Tea?

The benefits of oolong tea include the following:
- Helps in weight reduction.
- Helps decrease blood pressure.
- Helps lower the blood glucose levels.
- Helps in reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Helps in decreasing cholesterol levels.

2.

Are Oolong Tea and Black Tea the Same?

No, oolong tea and black tea are totally different. Oolong tea does not fall into the categories of black tea or green tea. The oolong tea undergoes partial oxidation, whereas black tea undergoes complete oxidation. If the oolong tea is heavily oxidized, it may taste like black tea.

3.

What Is the Taste of Oolong Tea?

Oolong tea undergoes varying levels of oxidation. Because of this, it has varying tastes which range from light to full-bodied, sweet to toasty, and floral to grassy. The flavor of oolong tea is in between green tea and black tea.

4.

How Does Oolong Tea Burn Belly Fat?

Oolong tea helps in burning calories and speeds up the metabolism. Some studies show that the antioxidants present in oolong tea help to reduce weight in 20 percent of people. It helps to reduce fat especially in areas such as the stomach and upper arms.

5.

What Is the Best Time to Drink Oolong Tea?

The best time to drink oolong tea is 30 minutes before a workout or yoga session. Drinking oolong tea in the afternoon helps to overcome low energy levels and sweet cravings. Oolong tea should be consumed two times daily to watch the overall results in your body.

6.

Does Oolong Tea Have Anti-inflammatory Properties?

Yes, oolong tea has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in reducing temporary pain as well as diseases caused by chronic inflammation. Theasinensin present in oolong tea is responsible for anti-inflammatory properties.

7.

What Is the Effect of Oolong Tea on Sleep?

Studies show that oolong tea has 31 mg of caffeine per 100 ml of preparation. Oolong tea boosts the metabolism even during sleep. It does not affect the sleep cycle even though the presence of caffeine in it.

8.

What Is the Effect of Oolong Tea on Kidney Stones?

Oolong tea has lower oxalate amounts varying between 0.23 and 1.15 mg/g of tea. So it can be the best tea for people who are susceptible to kidney stones. However black tea should be avoided by the kidney patients as they have higher oxalate amounts.

9.

Does Oolong Tea Need Milk?

Oolong tea is prepared with only water for medicinal purposes. Oolong teas typically taste more delicate and have a lighter body, so drinking them on their own is advisable. However, oolong tea with milk and sweetener is preferred by most people.

10.

Does Oolong Tea Cause Dehydration?

Drinking oolong tea in moderate amounts (four cups daily) is good for most people. Drinking beyond this level may cause side effects such as dehydration. The caffeine content in oolong tea is responsible for dehydration.

11.

What Is the Effect of Oolong Tea on the Brain?

Oolong tea is rich in an amino acid called L-theanine, which has a profound role in cognitive functioning of the brain. The activities include improved brain function, improved sleep quality, prevent cognitive diseases, and less stress and anxiety.
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Quadros Krystel Godfrey Lavina
Quadros Krystel Godfrey Lavina

Dietician

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