Tea is the healthiest and most 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 which 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 refreshed.
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 color. Oolong tea is partially oxidized, 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, mineral,s and beneficial antioxidants. A cup of refreshing oolong tea delivers you with fluoride, manganese, potassium, sodium, magnesium, niacin,n and caffeinewhicht are well-known to promote physical and mental well-being. It is also a rich source ofthe amino acid theaninewhicht 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 regulates dangerous blood glucose spikes and lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Proper medications, healthy eating habits, getting regular exercise,e and having healthy beverages like oolong tea can largely balance 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, eliminating 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,s and healthy beverages such as green tea or oolong tea is associated with enhanced cardiac health and lowers the risk of heart disease. Evidence has strongly revealed that incorporating oolong tea in the diet regimen has remarkably lowered blood pressure, and 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,and 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 regularly delivers protective effects for lung, pancreatic, liver, and colorectal cancers and also decreasese 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 keep teeth and bones strong. Studies have also shown that drinking oolong tea was found to increase bone mineral density and also lower 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Oolong Tea SSupportSkin Health
This tea is loaded with antioxidants that can help protect the skin from oxidative damage, improving overall skin health while reducing the appearance of acne and eczema. The anti-inflammatory properties of oolong tea also help in promoting a healthier complexion over time.
Is Oolong Tea Caffeinated?
Yes, oolong tea contains caffeine, though less than black tea and more than green tea. The caffeine content varies depending on the brewing time and tea leaves, ranging from 40-50 mg per cup.
How Much Oolong Tea Should I Drink Per Day?
To enjoy the benefits of oolong tea, it is recommended to drink a maximum of 2-3 cups per day. This moderate amount provides antioxidants, boosts metabolism, and supports heart health. However, individual tolerance may vary, so adjust based on your sensitivity to caffeine.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile: M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
Oolong Tea: A Critical Review of processing methods, chemical composition, Health Effects, and risk
Kwan-Wai Ng , Zi-Jun Cao
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28678527/
