Because Oolong Tea represents only 2 percent of overall tea consumption, far less time has been spent on discerning its healthful qualities. While the obvious profit margin plays into the limited research, another problem exists as well – namely the varieties of Oolong make it hard to determine the benefits it offers. Oolong tea might have heavy oxidation or light, and a hundred variations in between. This makes exploring Oolong’s qualities a little tricky.

We know that tea in general has catechins, theaflavin, and thearubigin – all of which are antioxidants. Emerging studies into antioxidants, including those in tea, show that they’re a powerful ally in fighting age-related disorders and various chronic conditions like cancer and heart disease. From this perspective there’s no question that Oolong tea is good for you. Kenichi Yanagimoto did a study in 2003 that compared green tea to Oolong and black for antioxidant qualities. Oolong finished second to green tea, with black tea in third place. This study revealed that Oolong tea blocks half of all oxidation for just over two weeks.

Dieting

For those of us trying to loose weight, Oolong tea features heavily in recommended beverages. Oolong tea has metabolism-increasing attributes. It also helps block fat absorption. Conservatively drinking Oolong tea can support weight loss at 1-2 pounds a week when combined with exercise and a sound diet.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Oolong tea reduces triglycerides in the blood stream as much as 80% in rats compared to those consuming a normal diet. This is very encouraging results. Studies performed in Japan imply that the tea also regulates cholesterol as soon as one month after drinking it regularly. Additionally, research conducted at Osaka City University discovered that Oolong tea may well fight obesity, type two diabetes and coronary artery disease thanks to it increasing adiponectin levels.

Skin Problems

Skin is the largest organ in your body. Research performed at Shina University indicates that drinking Oolong tea fights various skin disorders like eczema, even types that normally resist treatment. The suggested consumption level is 1 liter of Oolong tea (utilizing 10 grams of leaves) daily. Effects become noticeable typically in two weeks.

Diabetes

Studies enacted in Taiwan show that Oolong tea may help diabetes patients. The study had people drink 1.5 liters of oolong tea every day for a month. This group showed reduced plasma glucose of up to 30%. Patients drinking plain water saw no such results.

Regulating Blood Pressure

People who drink Oolong tea reduce the chances of developing high blood pressure by nearly half if they have at least one cup of ea daily. That percentage increases to over 60% by drinking two cups daily.

And There’s More

Nope, we’re not done yet! Drinking tea decreases the bacteria in your mouth. That means it helps you fight tooth decay. Tea does not stain like coffee either. It would seem that the classical Chinese book of pharmacology, Bencao Shiryi, sums it up nicely, “Drinking tea for a long time will make one live long…”, and during that time span drinking Oolong tea will make you feel your best too!

Author Bio: Steve Green is an author for Unity Teapots – online purveyors of cast iron teapots and yixing teapots.

Category: Food and Drinks
Keywords: oolong tea,tea,Chinese tea