Tea is the healthiest and energising drink across the globe, though this statement might sound overstated, several pieces of evidence have proved it to be true. There are various types of tea, some may deliver more benefits than others, depending on the type and processing. One such tea that’s worth discovering is Oolong tea that melds the qualities of both dark and green teas, which bestows you with umpteen health benefits. Right from triggering metabolism, reducing stress and promoting weight loss, having oolong tea may help you feel great and refreshing.

What is Oolong Tea?

Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea extracted from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant used to make green tea and black tea. All tea leaves comprise certain enzymes, which produce a chemical stimulus called oxidation, this reaction changes the green tea leaves into a deep black colour. Oolong tea is partially oxidised, which is responsible for oolong tea’s colour and unique taste and the colour of the leaves vary from green to dark brown. It is endowed with huge volumes of catechins than black tea. Some of the powerful antioxidant compounds present in oolong tea include caffeine, theaflavine, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, and kaempferol-3-O-glucoside.

Nutritional Facts Of Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is bestowed with a treasure trove of vitamins, minerals and beneficial antioxidants. A cup of refreshing oolong tea delivers you with fluoride, manganese, potassium, sodium, magnesium, niacin and caffeine that are well-known to promote physical and mental well-being. It is also a rich source of amino acid theanine that plays a key role in relaxing the nervous system. Apart from these, oolong tea also contains polyphenols such as theaflavins, thearubigins and EGCG that combats free radical damage and lowers the risk of chronic diseases.

Incredible Health Benefits of Oolong Tea

Manages Diabetes

The richness of polyphenolic antioxidants in oolong tea is believed to lower blood sugar levels and also increase insulin sensitivity. Several studies have also disclosed that regular consumption of oolong tea regulated dangerous blood glucose spikes and lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Proper medications, healthy eating habits, getting regular exercise and having healthy beverage like oolong tea can largely balance the blood sugar levels.

Also Read: Diabetes Mellitus: 5 Best Teas For Managing Blood Sugar Spikes

Promotes Weight Loss

Oolong tea possesses a wealth of phytonutrients-plant-based chemicals that exhibit strong antioxidant properties. Oolong tea maintains optimal metabolism by processing food to energy, eliminates detrimental toxins and safeguarding healthy cells from oxidative damage. Regular consumption of oolong tea is best known to burn fat and shed surplus kilos.

Augments Heart Health

Eating a diet rich in antioxidants including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy beverages such as green tea or oolong tea is associated with enhanced cardiac health and lowers the risk of heart diseases. Evidence has strongly revealed that incorporating oolong tea in the diet regimen had remarkably lowered blood pressure, cholesterol levels, as well as reduced the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Boost Brain Function

Immensely rich in polyphenols, oolong tea is a restorative beverage that preserves brain function and prevents Alzheimer’s disease. The richness of caffeine in tea can increase the release of norepinephrine and dopamine, the brain messengers that are believed to uplift mood and brain function. Besides these, theanine an amino acid in oolong tea may help improve attention span, cognition, memory and beat stress.

Also Read: Green Tea :7 Best Green Tea Brands That Promote Overall Health

Prevents Cancer

A powerhouse of antioxidants and polyphenols, oolong tea is beneficial in preventing cancer cell mutations and lowers the risk of developing cancer. Drinking oolong tea on a regular basis delivers protective effects for lung, pancreatic, liver and colorectal cancers and also decrease the rate of cancer cell division.

Improves Gut Health

Gut health is an indicator of good health status, any imbalance in gut bacteria can trigger the risk of several health issues including inflammatory bowel diseases, allergies, metabolic disorders and liver disease. Having oolong tea may help in promoting the balance of healthy bacteria and also stimulate digestion after eating a high-fat diet.

Fortifies Bone Mass

The presence of bone-friendly minerals and antioxidants in oolong tea may help preserve teeth and bones strong. Studies have also shown that drinking oolong tea was found to increase bone mineral density and also lowered the risk of fractures. Furthermore, being a good source of fluoride oolong tea may also support strengthening tooth enamel.

Slows Down Ageing Process

Drinking oolong tea can help in the reduction of wrinkles and improve tone and texture. Antioxidants and flavonoids present in this tea help to impart radiance to your skin by rejuvenating the skin cells and fighting harmful radicals.

Helps To Treat Atopic Dermatitis

All teas have been helpful to soothe the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Thus, consuming two cups of oolong tea every day for three to six months can also result in significant improvement of this skin condition and provide immense relief by reducing irritation, itching, and mild to severe inflammation.

Cures Sleep disorders

Oolong tea has significant amounts of an amino acid called L-theanine.  This component along with tea polyphenols is effective in combating cognitive defects and helps to improve brain activity, reduce insomnia, and aid better sleep quality.

Boosts Hair Growth

Oolong tea being a rich source of antioxidants can be helpful to provide resistance to the tresses against the harmful effects of the sun and battle dull and dry hair. A tea rinse out of oolong leaves can be made and applied to the scalp for hair growth making them thick and lustrous.