Oolong tea benefits are extensive and among the best of all of the teas. The tea is grown worldwide, and is also known in China as Wu Long tea. As with most teas, oolong is grown from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinensis. Translated from Chinese, oolong literally means “black dragon tea,” probably named because of the shape and color of the tea leaves after processing.
Oolong tea has a unique production process among the many varieties of teas. The plant is first withered in direct sunlight before undergoing an oxidation process. The leaves are then curled or twisted in a specific manner depending on the manufacturer, and are then fermented. Fermenting times depend on the variety of oolong being made.
The flavor of oolong tea can vary widely and is highly dependent upon the processing that is done during manufacturing. Some oolong teas are as sweet as any herbal tea, while others have a more grass-like flavor like green tea. Wu Yi tea is one of the most famous varieties of oolong tea and is grown only in China. Other varieties of oolong are grown in India, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Malawi, Kenya and Nepal.
Oolong Tea Benefits
Different cultivations of oolong tea give different health benefits because of the differing amounts and styles of processing. Oolong tea does offer a unique combination of benefits not found in most other teas.
Polyphenols, or flavenoids, are found in most other types of teas and do confer many health benefits. Flavenoids have been found in many studies to help with wound healing and may also be helpful in preventing and repairing damage to DNA. Recent studies have shown that flavenoids may also be helpful with weight loss. A 2002 study published in the Chinese Journal of Integrated Medicine found that among the oolong tea benefits, it is helpful with fat metabolism. Unfortunately, this study did not show a significant weight difference between the test and control group, but does suggest that caffeine content may be what is helpful for weight loss among tea drinkers.
Other Oolong Tea Benefits
A small study published in Diabetes Care in 2003 found diabetics were better able to control their blood sugar if they drank more than 50 ounces (1500 ml) of oolong tea each day.
A new study from 2010 published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that those that consume oolong tea regularly may have a decreased risk of heart disease. A 2007 study from the Osaka Institute for Health Care Science found animal triglyceride levels were decreased in animals that were given oolong tea, which may be why the population study of 2010 found a decreased amount of cardiovascular disease.
The same study from Osaka found that stress levels were reduced in animals by up to eighteen percent when they were given oolong tea.
Are the Oolong Tea Benefits worth any side effects?
The only known side effects of drinking Oolong tea are from caffeine consumption. Caffeine can cause problems for people that are sensitive to it, and can cause a rapid heart rate or high blood pressure in some. Check with your doctor to make sure tea consumption is a safe choice. The oolong tea benefits can be worth the risk of the side effects of caffeine for most people.
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