Health Benefits Of Oolong Tea

Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea. It is made from the same plants that are used to make black and green tea, but the leaves are processed differently. 

This process of making tea is called oxidation. Exposing tea leaves to air speeds up fermentation, and the length of time tea makers allow the leaves to oxidise affects the colour, flavour, and, to some extent, the nutritional content of the tea. 

Because green tea does not oxidise, it helps preserve plant-based antioxidants like catechins that are lost or altered during oxidation. Black tea is fully oxidised, so you can enjoy a deep, rich flavour. This fermentation process also produces nutrients called theaflavins, which are powerful antioxidants unique to oxidized tea. 

Oolong tea lies between green tea and black tea. Products on the market range from low to high oxidation levels, and the colour of the tea depends on how long the tea leaves have been left to ferment. Green oolong tea has a rich, earthy flavour, while darker teas have a more roasted flavour. 

Health Benefits:

Oolong tea, a semi-oxidized tea, contains a variety of antioxidants, including antioxidants found in high amounts in both green and black tea. Antioxidants are nutrients that protect cells from damage caused by ageing, lifestyle, and the environment. Over time, this damage causes many chronic diseases.

All teas contain high levels of antioxidants that provide a variety of health benefits. However, studies have shown that the nutrients in oolong tea have stronger antioxidant and antimutagenic effects than those in green or black tea. 

Oolong tea’s powerful antioxidants and other nutrients may provide health benefits such as: 

Lower risk of diabetes:

Studies have shown that oolong tea polyphenols lower blood sugar levels. It also reduces insulin resistance, a condition in which the body is unable to use blood sugar properly. Both hyperglycemia and insulin resistance are risk factors for health conditions such as diabetes and obesity. 

Heart health:

The polyphenols in oolong tea activate enzymes that break down triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. These triglycerides thicken artery walls and increase the risk of stroke, heart attack and other heart problems. Studies have shown that oolong tea can help lower cholesterol levels, which can increase your risk of heart disease if your cholesterol levels are too high. 

Weight management:

Research shows that oolong tea can reduce body fat, increase metabolism, reduce the risk of obesity, and aid weight loss. According to research, oolong tea stimulates fat burning and increases the number of calories in the body by 3.4%.

Cognitive Support:

Oolong tea is rich in an amino acid called L-theanine, which research shows has cognitive benefits such as improving brain activity, improving sleep quality, and reducing stress and anxiety. Additionally, the antioxidants found in oolong tea have been shown to have brain-protective properties and may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases that cause parts of the nervous system to malfunction. Scientists continue to study tea’s ability to prevent diseases associated with cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. 

Nutrition:

Many of the health benefits of oolong tea are due to antioxidants such as polyphenols, but it also contains other health-promoting vitamins and minerals. Studies have shown that the amount of fluoride in oolong tea is comparable to the fluoride content recommended by dentists to prevent cavities. It can also reduce the risk of tooth loss and oral cancer. 

Oolong tea is an excellent source of: 

Manganese 

Potassium

Magnesium 

Niacin 

Sodium Nutrients per serving: 

1 cup freshly made oolong tea (about 2 grams of tea leaves in 8 ounces of water) 

Ingredients: 

Calories: 2:4. 0 g 

Fat: 0 g 

Carbohydrate: 0.36 g 

Fibre: 0 g 

Sugar: 0 g 

Serving Size:

Oolong tea contains caffeine, excessive amounts of which can cause headaches, irritability, and increased heart rate. Side effects such as increased blood pressure and insomnia may occur. Experts recommend not consuming more than 400 milligrams of caffeine per day, and a cup of oolong tea contains about 38 milligrams per cup. 

How to Make Oolong Tea:

Oolong tea is widely available where other teas are sold and frequently appears on café and restaurant menus. It is available in loose leaf form or pre-packed in tea bags.

If you’re making it at home, it’s best to use a temperature just below boiling water, or around 190 degrees Fahrenheit or 90 degrees Celsius. This not only ensures the best taste, but also minimises the loss of nutrients. High water temperatures can destabilise and degrade antioxidants such as tea polyphenols. 

Researchers found that oolong tea steeped for 3 minutes at this temperature had the strongest antioxidant effect. Boil it in boiling water and once it cools down, make ice. 

To make the perfect cup:

Take about 2 tablespoons of loose leaf tea or tea bags. 

Heat water to boiling point. 

Boil the tea for 3 minutes. 

Taste the tea to suit your taste. However, strain it within 10 minutes to maintain its antioxidant properties.

Author: MedBlog18 Blog Team

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