According to the Tea Association of the
United States, this tea falls somewhere between green and black teas, as its
leaves are partially oxidized. The health benefits of oolong tea are doubled
because of the combined qualities of black tea and green tea. The origin of
oolong tea dates back almost 400 years when it found wide usage in China. It is
a semi-green fermented tea, but the fermentation process is halted as soon as
the tea leaves start to change their color. It’s a natural gift that is rich in
antioxidants. It also contains vital vitamins and minerals such as calcium,
manganese, copper, carotin, selenium, potassium, and vitamin A, B, C, E, and
vitamin K.
Additionally, it contains folic acid, niacinamide, and other
detoxifying alkaloids. It is developed in semi-fermented processing, which
provides the tea with numerous polyphenolic compounds. Oolong tea also contains
caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine which on consumption, may stimulate the
nervous system.
Oolong tea is fragrant with a pleasant aroma and has a fruity flavor. Despite
its caffeine content, it’s still a relaxing drink.
Health Benefits of Oolong Tea
Manages Stress: The natural polyphenols in oolong tea were cited as
the main cause of it being a stress-buster. Also, the L-theanine found in tea
leaves is an amino acid that blocks L-glutamic acid to glutamate receptors in
the brain. This normally causes cortical neuron excitement, which leads to an
increased cognitive activity and neural stress responses.
Improves Mental Health: Regular intake of caffeine-rich oolong tea
may help in improving mental performance and maintaining alertness throughout
the day.
Improves Bone Health: The antioxidants present in oolong tea
protect teeth against decay, strengthen the bone structure, prevent
osteoporosis, and promote normal, healthy growth of the human body. Studies showed
that people who consistently drank black or oolong tea for more than 10 years
were less likely to lose their bone mineral density over that span of time.
Controls Diabetes: Oolong tea is used as an herbal brew for
treating type-2 diabetic disorders and as an addition to other supplementary
drugs for treating the disease. It regulates the amount of blood sugar and
insulin in the bloodstream, so the dangerous dips and spikes in blood sugar
that can be disastrous for diabetics are reduced.
Prevents Cancer: It is a well-known fact that tea drinkers have a
lower risk of getting skin cancer. Moreover, the polyphenolic compound in
oolong tea promotes apoptosis in case of cancerous cell growth in the stomach.
This polyphenolic extract also acts as a chemo-preventive instrument against
the development of other cancers as well.
Prevents Ovarian Cancer: Oolong tea is rich in anti-cancer
properties which helps to significantly lower the risk of developing ovarian
cancer in women.
Skin Care: Giving to scientific experiments, patients diagnosed
with eczema can benefit from drinking 3 cups of oolong tea throughout the day.
The beneficial results of this tea can be seen in less than a week and these
patients will show remarkable improvement in recovering from skin problems.
Treats Atopic Dermatitis: Although the active mechanism has not
been pinpointed exactly, many believe that the polyphenols present in oolong
tea also work as anti-allergenic compounds, thereby relieving irritation and
chronic skin problems like atopic dermatitis.
Manages Weight: The polyphenolic compound found in oolong tea is
very effective in controlling the metabolism of fat in the body and reducing
obesity. It activates certain enzymes, thereby enhancing the functions of fat
cells in the body and a daily consumption of this tea can reduce obesity.
Removes Harmful Free Radicals: The polyphenolic compound in oolong
tea is also responsible for the removal of free radicals in our body as it
functions as an antioxidant.
Caution: It’s also important to remember that oolong tea
tends to be high in caffeine, which is not the healthiest component of this
beneficial beverage. Caffeine affects people differently and some of the side
effects of excess caffeine are anxiousness, headache, sleeplessness,
diarrhea, heartburn, irregular heartbeat, and confusion. Drinking too much
oolong tea can actually sweep out excess calcium that your body is processing.
In other words, drink several
cups of oolong tea a day, because it might be the best kind of tea for
improving your health and in addition to being a delicious and relaxing treat.
That being said, be aware that caffeine is a powerful chemical, and monitor
your body’s response to this change in your diet, just as you should with all
new foods and nutritional sources.
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