What if Gildshire told you that there is a drink that might be good for your heart, your eyes, and your teeth? What if we further said that it is readily available and served at your favorite restaurants? While Oolong tea represents only a small percentage (about 2.1% in 2019) of the world’s tea, it is worth discovering.
What is Oolong Tea?
Oolong tea is a traditional Chinese tea made from the leaves of the same plant used to make green and black tea. But each tea is processed in subtly different ways. You see, all tea leaves will oxidize over time. Green tea is minimally oxidized, while black tea is allowed to oxidize to its deep, black color. Oolong is partially oxidized, landing somewhere in-between its green and black cousins. So it is this partial oxidation that brings out oolong’s color and unique taste.
What are the benefits of drinking oolong tea?
A benefit is found in the polyphenol antioxidants found in oolong teas in that they are thought to reduce blood sugar levels. (Good to know if you are planning to have white rice with your Chinese dinner.) A recent study reported that diabetics who drank 1.5 liters per day had 30% lower blood sugar levels by the end of the 30-day trial.
Also, tea antioxidants may improve heart health. One study of 76,000 adults observed that those who drank 8 oz. of oolong tea per day saw a 61% decrease in heart disease markers. Another study reports a 39 percent decrease in strokes in those drinking 16 oz (480 ml) of oolong tea per day.
How does drinking oolong tea help you lose weight?
Oolong tea can be an aid in weight loss, as one study found that it helped study participants burn 3.4% more calories a day. Let us count the ways how.
- It boosts metabolism by 10%, helping to burn upper arm and tummy fat. Oolong increases satiety and blocks the absorption of carbs and fats.
- Weight loss means expending energy. Oolong tea turns the energy expenditure dial up.
- Oolong helps to increase the pH levels of the digestive tract, promoting good digestion. It helps to prevent stomach ulcers, acid reflux, and bacterial disorders. A healthy digestive system aids weight loss.
- Finally, oolong is calorie-free. Drink it without fearing the scale the next morning.
What are the side effects of oolong tea?
Oolong is remarkably free of side effects except for the caffeine present in it. When consumed in excess, caffeine can lead to anxiety, headaches, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, and in some, high blood pressure. So it is important to keep in mind that soda, coffee, chocolate, and energy drinks, such as Red Bull, also contain caffeine.
How much oolong tea should you drink each day?
That depends on what you are trying to achieve. For health maintenance, experts recommend somewhere between eight ounces and a liter. For weight loss, up to 1.5-2.3 liters, a day should be consumed as part of your daily regimen. But, as with anything else you eat or drink, monitor your system carefully. It is crucial to assess the effects of that much oolong on your health and welfare.