Oolong Tea Health Benefits
What is Oolong Tea?
Oolong tea is similar in taste to green tea, but unlike green tea, Oolong tea is fermented. Oolong tea offers the benefits of both green and black tea.
Oolong tea provides vitamins and minerals needed to keep the body healthy, as well as antioxidants, such as catechin and polyphenols. It provides more polyphenols, per cup, than either green or black tea.
Catechins
Catechins are antioxidants that provide protection against free radicals. According to clinical and experimental studies, these antioxidants have anti-hypertensive and anti-inflammatory qualities.1 Catechins have also been shown to lower lipid levels.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are antioxidant compounds that fight free radicals that can damage the proteins, DNA and membranes of a cell.
According to research done by Charles Ramassamy and his colleagues, polyphenols protects nerves from the damage that occurs in chronic brain disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease.2
Oolong Tea Benefits the Skin
Free radicals attack the lipids in the skin, causing it to age prematurely. Polyphenols fight these free radicals, which slow down the aging process.
These antioxidants prevent the formation of age spots and other skin discoloration. Oolong tea also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Oolong Tea Promotes Alertness
Oolong tea contains caffeine, though only about half the amount found in coffee, which can increase concentration and focus when used in moderation.
Oolong Tea Benefits the Teeth
Drinking Oolong tea can promote strong, healthy teeth. Polyphenol, which is found in Oolong tea, helps slow and even prevent tooth decay.
Oolong Tea Benefits Weight Loss
According to a study done by Han LK, Takaku T, Li J, Kimura Y, and Okuda H. at Ehime University in Japan, Oolong tea may be effective against obesity caused by a high-fat diet.3
Polyphenols promote lipolysis; the breakdown of fat stored in the fat cells. The caffeine in Oolong tea enhances this effect.
The Perfect Cup of Oolong Tea
To get the most health benefits from a cup of Oolong tea, allow it to steep for 5 minutes. Hot Oolong tea has more beneficial properties than iced or bottled tea.
Decaffeinated oolong tea offers fewer health benefits than caffeinated Oolong tea.
Notes
1.Babu PV, Liu D., Curr Med Chem. 2008;15(18):1840-50. Green tea catechins and cardiovascular health: an update Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia 24061, USA. Retrieved December 13, 2008, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez
2. American Chemical Society (2008, August 25). Uncertainties Prevail Over Human Health Benefits Of Polyphenols. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 12, 2008, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707092055.htm
3. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 1999 Jan;23(1):98-105. Anti-obesity action of oolong tea. 2nd Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Ehime University, Japan. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez
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